Macroglossia and Excessive Hair Growth Syndromes

Macroglossia affects the size of the tongue

Macroglossia, hypertrichosis and hirsutism exhibit excessive, abnormal growth of a feature. They can be present at birth or acquired later on, usually due to drug medications. Excessive growth associated with the syndromes often signals other, serious underlying medical conditions.

What is Macroglossia?

Macroglossia is the unusual enlargement of the tongue due to an increased amount of tissue. According to eMedicine, there are several causes for macroglossia, and the condition has been documented for centuries.

Causes of Macroglossia

There are two main causes for the abnormal tongue growth: congenital (present at birth) and acquired. Macroglossia is often seen in cases of Down's Syndrome. Diabetes and hypothyroidism are acquired metabolic disorders which can lead to excessive tongue growth, according to eMedicine.

Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis implies abnormally long or dense hair for a particular race, age or sex. It can be congenital or acquired (often drug-induced). Congenital hypertrichosis characteristics include long, silky, unpigmented hairs not shed in-utero covering the ears, face and shoulders or excessive hair at birth or infancy covering the entire body except hands and feet. Hair may or may not shed after time.

Hirsutism

Hirsuitism also exhibits excessive hair growth, but hirsutism is a male pattern hair growth in a female or child and is androgen (male sex hormones) driven, according to Hypertrichosis.com. Hair grows on the females abdomen, breasts and upper lip and is often drug-induced.

Treatments

Modern treatment of macroglossia is largely surgical, according to eMedicine, and the standard method for making the tongue normal is by wedge-shaped excision. Currently no cures exist for congenital hypertrichosis. Cosmetic treatments, such as electrolysis and laser are common treatments for both excessive hair growth syndromes.

References

• Macroglossia
• What is Hypertrichosis ?
• Hirsutism