Macroglossia is most often caused by an increase in the amount of tissue on the tongue, rather than by a growth, such as a tumor. This condition can be seen in certain inherited or congenital (existing at birth) disorders, including: Acromegaly (buildup of too much growth hormone in the body)

What hormone triggers macroglossia?

When an abnormal protein called Amyloid builds up and disrupts the function of certain organs in your body, according to Stanford Healthcare, it can also affect the tongue. Your pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone and typically results in overgrowth of your hands, feet, and face.

What causes a tongue to grow?

The most common causes of tongue enlargement are vascular malformations (e.g. lymphangioma or hemangioma) and muscular hypertrophy (e.g. Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome or hemihyperplasia). Enlargement due to lymphangioma gives the tongue a pebbly appearance with multiple superficial dilated lymphatic channels.