The clinical presentation of pigmented fungiform papillae: a descriptive study of cases

The pigmented fungiform papillae of the tongue (PFPT) are often mistaken as malignant pigmentation lesions due to their appearance. There is limited information on this condition in the literature; thus, the general dentist may have challenges recognizing it in their routine practice. This study aimed to describe the clinical appearance of PFPT. The clinical photographs of PFPT were collected during 2018-2020. A total of sixteen clinical photos were taken and then its morphology was analyzed using the software Adobe Photoshop CC version 19.1.5 with standard magnification to determine the clinical appearance. The clinical classification was determined based on the Holzwanger classification. Sixteen clinical photographs were taken from twelve women and four men. The locations found were tip (50.00%), lateral (12.50%), dorsum (12.50%) and more than one location of tongue (25.00%). Based on Holzwanger classification, these were classified as type 1 (37.50%), type 2 (25.00%), and overlap between type I and II (37.50%). The morphology of the PFPT can be defined as cobblestone and rose-petal appearance. The characteristics of pigmented fungiform papillae vary based on anatomical location and its morphology. These findings can provide an overview of cases of pigmented fungiform papillae and help clinicians recognize this condition.