What should I do if there is a lump at the base of the tongue?

Oct 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

In general, bumps at the base of the tongue may be caused by normal lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, dietary irritation, lingual papillitis, herpangina, or mucous gland cysts. Depending on the specific situation, patients can improve symptoms through conservative management, medication, surgical treatment, or other approaches. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene in daily life, including brushing teeth morning and night and rinsing the mouth after meals.

Under normal circumstances, bumps at the base of the tongue may be caused by benign lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, dietary irritation, lingual papillitis, herpangina, or mucous gland cysts. Depending on the specific situation, patients can improve symptoms through general management, medication, or surgical treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Normal Lymphoid Follicle Hyperplasia

The base of the tongue naturally contains lymphoid follicles, which may slightly swell in response to inflammation or irritation, forming palpable small bumps. Reducing intake of spicy or hot foods, avoiding excessive voice use, and drinking plenty of water to keep the throat moist are recommended. No special treatment is required—regular observation is sufficient.

2. Dietary Irritation

Long-term consumption of spicy or hard foods can repeatedly irritate the mucosa at the base of the tongue, leading to local tissue hyperplasia and bump formation. Adjusting the diet to include mild, soft foods, rinsing the mouth with warm water after meals, and avoiding further mucosal irritation typically allow the hyperplastic tissue to gradually resolve.

3. Lingual Papillitis

Inflammation of the lingual papillae caused by bacterial or viral infections or nutritional deficiencies can lead to swollen papillae that appear as painful bumps. Under medical guidance, patients may take amoxicillin capsules, vitamin B2 tablets, or apply Xihuangshuang spray. Maintaining good oral hygiene, rinsing after meals, and preventing bacterial growth are also important.

4. Herpangina

Caused by enteroviral infection, herpangina leads to blister-like bumps at the base of the tongue and in the pharynx, often accompanied by fever and sore throat. Under medical supervision, medications such as ribavirin granules, acetaminophen tablets, and Kaihoujian spray may be used. Drinking plenty of water helps eliminate the virus, and patients should avoid crowded places to prevent transmission.

5. Mucous Gland Cyst

Obstruction of salivary gland ducts at the base of the tongue causes saliva retention and cyst formation, presenting as transparent or translucent bumps. Small cysts may be monitored conservatively, while larger ones may require surgical excision. After surgery, avoid spicy or irritating foods and use compound chlorhexidine mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene.

Routine care includes maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice daily and rinsing after meals; avoiding repeated friction between the teeth and the base of the tongue to reduce local irritation. If the bump continues to grow, pain worsens, or swallowing difficulties occur, prompt medical evaluation is essential to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment, preventing delays that could affect throat health.

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