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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Stiffness In The Tongue?

Hi, my dad has bone cancer, and about a month ago his tongue started to get stiffer. When he's asked to pull his tongue out, it always goes to the right. can a fungus be the cause, since he is anemic?
Stopped chemo couple of months ago.
Radiation treatments still undergoing for his neck and sternum.
Tue, 16 Jun 2015
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern.

Thanks for your query . The stiffness of tongue along with restricted movement is always a cause of concern . In your case the most probable reason for stiffness of tongue and restricted movement id radiation therapy.

When person is undergoing radiation therapy it causes dryness of mouth as a side effect which further causes stiffness of tongue . This dryness and the anemic condition as you mention in qery further make the tongue pron to infection .

I would suggest you to consult your radiologist and oral pathologist for proper evaluation of the condition and rule out causes like oral thrush ans any malignancy . Doctor may take small tissue of tongue for biopsy biopsy .

Doctor may alter the radiation dose , prescribe iron supplements , prescribe saliva substitute and recommend certain tongue exercise .

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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What Causes Stiffness In The Tongue?

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. Thanks for your query . The stiffness of tongue along with restricted movement is always a cause of concern . In your case the most probable reason for stiffness of tongue and restricted movement id radiation therapy. When person is undergoing radiation therapy it causes dryness of mouth as a side effect which further causes stiffness of tongue . This dryness and the anemic condition as you mention in qery further make the tongue pron to infection . I would suggest you to consult your radiologist and oral pathologist for proper evaluation of the condition and rule out causes like oral thrush ans any malignancy . Doctor may take small tissue of tongue for biopsy biopsy . Doctor may alter the radiation dose , prescribe iron supplements , prescribe saliva substitute and recommend certain tongue exercise . Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari