_Treatment._--In superficial wounds near the tip the oozing is
efficiently arrested by sutures, but in deeper wounds a ligature must
be applied to the bleeding vessel. Secondary haemorrhage is much more
difficult to arrest on account of the friable state of the tissues,
and it may be necessary to ligate the lingual or even the external
carotid in the neck.

To prevent infective complications any foreign body must be removed
and an antiseptic mouth-wash regularly employed.

Cases have been recorded in which such a foreign body as a bullet, a
needle, or a piece of a pipe-stem, has remained embedded in the
substance of the tongue for a long period, and caused a firm, indolent
swelling liable to be mistaken for a new growth.

#Dental Ulcer.#--The continuous friction of a jagged tooth, or of an
ill-fitting dental plate, is liable to cause swelling and excoriation
of the side of the tongue. A painful superficial ulcer forms, and if
the irritation continues and infection occurs, the surrounding parts
become indurated, the ulcer assumes a crater-like appearance, not
unlike that of a commencing epithelioma. If such an ulcer does not
promptly heal on the removal of the irritant, a portion of the margin
should be removed and submitted to microscopic examination to make
sure that it is not cancerous.

#Inflammatory Affections.#--_Acute Parenchymatous Glossitis_ is
usually due to the action of streptococci. Although it affects mainly
the mucous membrane and submucous tissue, it causes a diffuse
oedematous swelling of the whole organ, and this may extend to the
ary-epiglottic folds and give rise to oedema of the glottis. As a rule
it does not go on to suppuration.

The onset is sudden, and is marked by pain and stiffness of the
tongue, particularly when the patient attempts to masticate or to
speak. The tongue rapidly swells, and in the course of twenty-four or
forty-eight hours may fill the mouth and protrude beyond the teeth.
There is profuse salivation, and in addition to difficulty in
swallowing and speaking there may be considerable interference with
respiration. The salivary and lymph glands in the submaxillary space
are enlarged and tender. The symptoms begin to subside in three or
four days, unless suppuration occurs.

The _treatment_ consists in administering a sharp purge and employing
a mouth-wash; leeches may be applied to the submaxillary region with
benefit. When the swelling is excessive, it may be necessary to