My mum is having problems with her tongue - the tip is sore and red. The tongue is generally sore, especially when drinking hot tea/coffee etc.
She also gets a dry mouth especially at night with a dry tongue also at times. Taste buds are dulled - bland taste to food
She finished chemo two months ago, then had 4 wks radiotherapy and last week had first Herceptin infusion. Do you think this is still to do with the chemo? I have looked on internet and read it could be Vit B deficiency.
Hi
A red, shiny sore tongue is usually because of anaemia. You are right about the Vitamin B deficiency - B12 and Folic acid all help produce red blood cells. I have seen this condiiton in many people -usually middleaged women who are going through the menopause and heavy periods etc or in your mum’s case, the fact that she has had so much chemo. Best thing is to get her blood checked and take it from there. Are there any red patches on the gums or inside the cheeks or is it just the tongue?
Thanks for your reply. I belive it is just the tongue. I think she will see how it goes and then make an app. to see her GP. She did say she had an ulcer on side of her mouth and also gets cracks in the corner of her mouth. Thanks again
Hi, definitely sounds like anaemia with ulcers, sore tongue etc. The cracks in the corner of the mouth is a condition called angular cheilitis. It can be caused by anaemia and then the cracks becoem infected with bacteria and sometimes a fungus. It can be easily treated by ointments and your GP can prescribe one. Its a very uncomfortable condition and wont go without treatment.
I am still suffering with a very dry mouth after finishing chemo 2 months ago. Someone recommended Biotene gel which works quite well for some relief particularly at bedtime. Most high street chemosts stock it. Interesting to read the thoughts on B12 deficiency as my homeopath has put me on supplements for that recenlty as it’s a common deficiency in vegetarians.
So glad I’ve found this thread. Have been having sore tongue and never knew it’s related to anaemia!
Last blood test before chemo, my haemoglobin level was 11.9, which is 0.1 below the normal range of 12 - 16 (first time ever it happened, so really worried). Surely, 0.1 can’t make that much difference because the chemo still went ahead!! Does the pain get worse as the haemoglobin level continues to drop / anaemia get worse??? That could be a useful sign to watch.
Just thought I’d say that there is a post under hormone therapy for a sore tongue, its seems to be quite common at the moment, its a big problem in my life!.