A Case of Pigmented Fungiform Papillae of the Tongue in a Middle Eastern Woman

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of pigmented fungiform papillae on the tongue. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 29-year-old female presented with patchy pigmented areas on her tongue of 2 years’ duration. Examination of the tongue showed pigmentation confined to the fungiform papillae on the dorsum of the tongue. She was healthy and was not taking any medications and hence a diagnosis of pigmented fungiform papillae was considered. The patient was reassured of the benign nature of this condition and no treatment was given. However, a 6-month follow-up was suggested. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of this benign variant of lingual pigmentation to avoid confusion with pathological conditions and also to avoid unnecessary investigative procedures.