The lingual abscess is rare, it is important to know how to detect it in time since it can be confused with another type of pathology and is life-threatening. Objective: To present a clinical case of a rare entity that may compromise the airway as well as the most appropriate approach and treatment. The tongue is an area that is considered resistant to infection and that is constantly exposed to trauma. Clinical case: A 79-year-old diabetic male, with a clinical picture suggestive of lingual pathology, with an increase in the volume of the tongue that feels fluctuating and painful with simple and contrasted tomography where a purulent collection was observed. Surgical drainage and impregnation with antibiotics were performed. Results and conclusion: after intravenous impregnation for 3 days with a double antibiotic scheme and surgical drainage, the patient presented a fast and satisfactory recovery.