Tongue abscess: A rare case report and review of the literature

Authors

  • Ahmed Mufadhi Alanazi Oral and maxillofacial surgery resident , King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia  Author
  • Hatim Marzooq Alshammari Oral and maxillofacial surgery resident, King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia Author
  • Talal Alhumaidi Alshammari Consultant, OMFS department, King Khalid Hospital, King Salman Specialist Hospital and Maternity Hospital in Hail, Saudi Arabia Author
  • Turki Alotaibi Oral and maxillofacial resident, Hail Dental Center, Hail, Saudi Arabia Author
  • Sultan Khalid Albaqawi Oral and maxillofacial specialist in King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia Author
  • Dr. Mohammed Hassan Aljezoli Consultant, OMFS department in King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia Author
  • Dr Majed Mamdouh Alshammari Oral and maxillofacial surgery specialist in King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia Author
  • Fawaz Abdulrahman Alkhowaiter Oral and maxillofacial surgery resident, King Salman Specialist Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia Author
  • Manahil Abdulaziz Alnafea Oral and maxillofacial surgery resident, King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia Author
  • Abdulrahman Alsanea Dentist Author
  • Ruqayyah H. Almarshadi Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53555/AJBR.v28i4S.8493

Keywords:

Oral and maxillofacial surgery, Incision and Drainage, Tongue abscess

Abstract

Background: Tongue abscess is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition due to its risk of airway obstruction. Early recognition, appropriate imaging, and prompt surgical drainage are essential for favorable outcomes.

Case Presentation: We present a 31-year-old male with severe tongue pain, progressive swelling, dysphagia, odynophagia, trismus, drooling, dyspnea, and fever. Examination revealed submental swelling, elevated tongue, and restricted speech. CT imaging confirmed a 5 x 3.5 x 2 cm posterior tongue abscess. The patient underwent incision and drainage under general anesthesia, followed by intravenous antibiotics and supportive care. He improved rapidly and was discharged without complications.

Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for tongue abscess in patients with oral cavity infections and airway symptoms. Prompt imaging and surgical intervention are crucial to prevent airway compromise.

Author Biographies

  • Ahmed Mufadhi Alanazi, Oral and maxillofacial surgery resident , King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia 

    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery resident in King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia

  • Hatim Marzooq Alshammari, Oral and maxillofacial surgery resident, King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia

    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery resident in King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia,

  • Talal Alhumaidi Alshammari, Consultant, OMFS department, King Khalid Hospital, King Salman Specialist Hospital and Maternity Hospital in Hail, Saudi Arabia

    Consultant of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at KKH, KSH, Maternity Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia

  • Turki Alotaibi, Oral and maxillofacial resident, Hail Dental Center, Hail, Saudi Arabia

    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery resident in Hail dental Center, Hail, Saudi Arabia

  • Sultan Khalid Albaqawi, Oral and maxillofacial specialist in King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia

    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist in King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia, 

  • Dr. Mohammed Hassan Aljezoli, Consultant, OMFS department in King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia

    Consultant of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery at King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia, 

  • Dr Majed Mamdouh Alshammari, Oral and maxillofacial surgery specialist in King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia

    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist in King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia,

  • Fawaz Abdulrahman Alkhowaiter, Oral and maxillofacial surgery resident, King Salman Specialist Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia

    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery resident in King Salman Specialized Hospital, Hail, Saudi 

  • Manahil Abdulaziz Alnafea, Oral and maxillofacial surgery resident, King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia

    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery resident in King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia,

  • Abdulrahman Alsanea, Dentist

    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery resident in King Salman Specialized Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia

  • Ruqayyah H. Almarshadi

    Dentist, Hail, Saudi Arabia

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Published

2025-10-15

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 4S (2025)

Section

Case Reports

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Ahmed Mufadhi Alanazi, Hatim Marzooq Alshammari, Talal Alhumaidi Alshammari, Turki Alotaibi, Sultan Khalid Albaqawi, Dr. Mohammed Hassan Aljezoli, Dr Majed Mamdouh Alshammari, Fawaz Abdulrahman Alkhowaiter, Manahil Abdulaziz Alnafea, Abdulrahman Alsanea, Ruqayyah H. Almarshadi (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Tongue abscess: A rare case report and review of the literature. (2025). African Journal of Biomedical Research, 28(4S), 357-360. https://doi.org/10.53555/AJBR.v28i4S.8493