K14.8

Posterior displacement of the TONGUE toward the PHARYNX. It is often a feature in syndromes such as in PIERRE ROBIN SYNDROME and DOWN SYNDROME and associated with AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION during sleep (OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEAS).

The presence of an excessively large tongue, which may be congenital or may develop as a result of a tumor or edema due to obstruction of lymphatic vessels, or it may occur in association with hyperpituitarism or acromegaly. It also may be associated with malocclusion because of pressure of the tongue on the teeth. (From Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992)