Bumps on the back of the tongue can be caused by a variety of factors. Common causes include natural large papillae that occur normally at the back of the tongue, transient lingual papillitis (also known as "lie bumps" caused by irritation or injury), canker sores, oral thrush (a fungal infection), allergic reactions, viral infections like herpes or HPV, geographic tongue, scarlet fever or strep throat, leukoplakia (white patches often caused by tobacco use), and sometimes oral cancer or other infections. Some bumps are painful while others are painless, and some may go away on their own while others might require medical attention. If the bumps are persistent, growing, painful, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever, difficulty swallowing, or weight loss, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Causes such as trauma from biting or hot foods, infections, allergies, and irritation are often benign and resolve with time or minor care. In summary:
- Normal papillae are natural and harmless.
- Irritation, trauma, and infections are common causes.
- More serious causes include oral cancer and certain infections requiring medical care.
- A professional evaluation is recommended if bumps persist or worsen.
This provides a broad overview of why bumps might appear on the back of the tongue and when to seek medical advice.
