Subgemmal neurogenous plaque associated with burning tongue: report of two cases and review of the literature

Subgemmal neurogenous plaques, biphasic structures with a neurofibroma and neuroma patterns, are observed in tongue biopsies involving subepithelial areas, being characterized as aggregates of nerve plexus and ganglion cells. Oral burning symptoms, having many possible causes, are commonly observed during oral medicine practice, but the association of subgemmal neurogenous plaque with tongue burning symptoms is very unusual. Reported here are two cases of focal burning sensation in the lateral border of the tongue diagnosed as subgemmal neurogenous plaque through biopsy. Recognizing this entity is important to avoid misdiagnosis of other neural proliferations, especially in cases involving focal tongue burning.