The lingual papillae are numerous tiny papillary projections located on the back and sides of the tongue and consist of epithelium and subepithelial connective tissue. Chronic lingual tonsilitis, or hypertrophy of the lingual tonsils, is mostly caused by recurrent episodes of acute lingual tonsillitis and becomes chronic. It is mostly associated with chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, and stimulation by irritating foods and harmful gases. It often coexists with chronic tonsillitis, and compensatory hypertrophy of the lingual tonsils may also occur after tonsillectomy. The disease occurs mostly in adults and is rare in children.
The three causes of lingual papillomegaly 1, mostly from acute lingual tonsillitis repeated attacks into chronic inflammation, and repeated stimulation caused by hyperplasia.
2, mostly related to chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, excessive smoking and alcohol, irritating food and the stimulation of harmful gases.
3, often coexist with chronic tonsillitis, after tonsillectomy, lingual tonsils may also occur compensatory hypertrophy.