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. 2013 Dec;7(12):3094-5.
doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2013/7028.3865. Epub 2013 Dec 15.

Amyloidosis of the tongue-report of a rare case

Suresh Babburi  1 , Ramya B  2 , Subramanyam Rv  3 , Aparna V  4 , Gautam Srivastava  5
Affiliations

Amyloidosis of the tongue-report of a rare case

Suresh Babburi et al. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013 Dec.

Abstract

Amyloid involvement of the tongue is almost always secondary to systemic amyloidosis. Isolated amyloidosis of the tongue is relatively rare and it accounts for less than 9% of all types of amyloidosis. We are presenting a case of a 54-year-old male patient who complained of an enlarged tongue and bilateral multiple swellings on the lateral borders of the tongue, which had been there since one year. Bilaterally symmetrical, violaceous, purpuric patches interspersed with nodules were seen surrounding the eyes. Histopathologically, the lesion exhibited homogenous eosinophilic amyloid-like material. Special staining with Congo red showed amyloid material as peach red colour under light microscopy and as apple green birefringence under polarized light. Based on these observations, a definitive diagnosis of amyloidosis of tongue was made. Amyloidosis of tongue is uncommon and its features resemble those of a benign tumour. A battery of tests is necessary to differentiate localized amyloidosis from its systemic forms.

Keywords: Amyloidosis; Apple green birefringence; Polarized light; Tongue.

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Figures

[Table/Fig-1]:
[Table/Fig-1]:
Extra oral photograph showing bilateral symmetrical violaceous purpuric patches interspersed with nodules surrounding the eyes
[Table/Fig-2]:
[Table/Fig-2]:
Intraoral photograph showing bilateral involvement of the lesion
[Table/Fig-3]:
[Table/Fig-3]:
Intraoral photograph showing the lesion involving the lateral side of the tongue
[Table/Fig-4]:
[Table/Fig-4]:
Photomicrograph of the lesion showing surface epithelium ,homogenous eosinophilic area in the connective tissue (H & E, 10x)
[Table/Fig-5]:
[Table/Fig-5]:
Photomicrograph of the lesion showing surface epithelium,amyloid appears as peach redcolor, in the connective tissue (Congo red, 10x)
[Table/Fig-6]:
[Table/Fig-6]:
Photomicrograph of the lesion showing apple green birefrengence .(Stained with congored and observed under polarized microscopy)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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