Median Rhomboid Glossitis: A Developmental Disorder Involving the Central Part of the Tongue

Median rhomboid glossitis (MRG), also known as posterior midline atrophic candidiasis, is a developmental disorder of the oral cavity. It usually involves the central part of the dorsum surface of the tongue. It is a papillary atrophy that is generally well-defined and symmetrical in presentation. It is usually a painless lesion, but some patients may complain of mild itching and irritation in that region. This lesion is more predominant in males than females. It has been widely argued that this lesion is not a developmental disorder but a clinical manifestation of a fungal etiology. This article presents a case report of a 55-year-old woman who reported to the oral medicine department in a tertiary care center in Wardha, India, with the chief complaint of an oval-shaped, discolored area on the dorsum of her tongue since birth. This article also emphasizes the role of a dental practitioner in diagnosing the lesion and appropriate patient education regarding the condition.