Description: Foliate papillae appear as an area of vertical folds and grooves located on the extreme posterior-lateral surface of the tongue. They are occasionally mistaken for tumors or inflammatory disease. The grooves are best seen when air from an air syringe is directed at them. Their long axis is up and down, that is, they are at right angles to the long axis of the tongue. Generally they are bilaterally symmetrical. In some people, the papillae are small and inconspicuous whereas in others they are prominent. Those familiar with the basic fold and groove structure are not apt to confuse these normal structures with an abnormality.
Etiology: They are normal anatomical structures.
Treatment: None required.
Prognosis: Good
Differential diagnosis: Lingual tonsils, squamous carcinoma, soft tissue tumors.