black tongue

Gentlemen,
Friend of mine, she is 76 years old, suffering from emphysema
has to use oxygen all day.
She likes to drink French brandy Hennessy XO; Two years ago
she noticed he tongue went black after eating liver & brandy.
she was asked to stop eating liver but she like her drink.
She said the black color will go if she drinks canned orange juice.
She took a lot of medication ie:-
singulair, paxil CR, paroxetine HCI,premarin, aygestin,
advair & libax sometime.
Grateful if you can advise her what to do beside stop drinking.
any thanks.
yungyung

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Tough to say without examining the tongue myself.  I am not aware of specific diseases that can lead to a black tongue, but various types of infectious and canker sores may lead to a darkening of the tongue.

If there continues to be concern, you can consider a referral to an oral surgeon.  If there is suspicion of a lesion, this can be biopsied for a more definitive diagnosis.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[nachtzeit]

The black tongue is due to a chemical reaction. It is the liver responding to exposure to alcohol. That is most likely harmless.

[X pharmacist]

the black tongue is usually indicitive of an allergic reaction to the one of the medications your friend was taking.  Its not something to take lightly, especially at the age of 76. Just to be safe, she should seek a second opinion.

[pilarica]

A friend wants to know what could cause few black spots in the tip of her tongue.  She also has a bitter taste.  She had them for few months.  Her doctor ordered blood test to check her liver, pancrea, and more.  All tests came back normal. She is not in any medication