Macroglossia can be associated with a wide range of congenital (present from birth) and acquired conditions, or it can occur as an isolated feature (with no other abnormalities). In most cases, it is due to vascular malformations (blood vessel abnormalities) and muscular hypertrophy (an increase in muscle mass).

What are the causes of macroglossia?

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)

Can you develop macroglossia?

Macroglossia can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired (developed later in life). A condition in which someone has an extra chromosome.