Thank you for the neuralgia info. Certainly sounds like a possibility.

The fact that I have frequent pain and irritation, and as you say most confirmed cases had no prior pain, certainly offers some comfort that it is not ominous.

One of the most intriguing, for lack of a better word this late at night, aspects of this affliction is the inability to easily identify and/or rule out or confirm a malignancy in situations like mine. Obviously, having one's entire tongue cut out and biopsied is not an option.

My gratitude for this community is substantial. Your participation after this long serves as a source of comfort and I imagine a real inspiration to those fighting the fight.