Tongue cancer happens when abnormal cells on the tongue’s surface grow uncontrollably. Usually, the first sign is a sore or bump on the side of the tongue that doesn’t heal. As it progresses, you might see a red or white patch, have trouble moving the tongue or jaw, or experience numbness or pain in the tongue.
This type of cancer makes up about 1% of all cancer cases annually. It’s often linked to lifestyle choices like smoking, heavy drinking, and infections from human papillomavirus (HPV). Thankfully, if caught early, tongue cancer can be successfully treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
There are two main forms of tongue cancer: oral and oropharyngeal. They differ based on where they occur, their causes, and how they’re treated. Oral tongue cancer, known as squamous cell carcinoma, affects the front two-thirds of the tongue, which you can see and move. It often starts as a sore or bump that doesn’t heal and might bleed easily if irritated.
Oropharyngeal tongue cancer forms in the back third of the tongue, extending towards the throat. It might first show as a red or white patch or feel like something is stuck in your throat.
In the beginning, tongue cancer might not show any obvious symptoms. As it advances, additional signs may develop. This type of cancer results from damage to the DNA of tongue cells, leading them to become abnormal and form tumors. Although the exact causes of these DNA changes aren’t completely understood, research points to strong connections with lifestyle factors like smoking and HPV.
While anyone can get tongue cancer, certain factors increase the risk. Diagnosing tongue cancer involves several tests to pinpoint abnormalities and confirm the presence of cancer cells. Dentists play a key role in catching early signs, so regular checkups are crucial, especially for those at higher risk.
To diagnose, a healthcare provider will inspect the mouth, tongue, and throat for unusual bumps and feel under the jaw and neck for swollen glands. If something seems off, a biopsy might be done to examine the tissue for cancer cells.
After diagnosis, it’s essential to determine the cancer type and stage to create an effective treatment plan. Tongue cancer staging uses the TNM system to guide this process. The main goal of treatment is to remove tumors and prevent cancer from coming back.
Surgery is typically the first step, involving the removal of the tumor-affected tongue part. This may mean taking out a small piece or a more significant portion, depending on the tumor’s size. Radiation therapy uses powerful beams to target cancer cells, though not everyone needs it. It’s often recommended when tongue cancer has spread.
Chemotherapy employs drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body and is generally used alongside radiation when the cancer has metastasized to other areas.
While tongue cancer isn’t always preventable, you can take steps to lower your risk. Lifestyle adjustments like avoiding tobacco, cutting back on alcohol, eating healthily, and having regular dental checkups can help. Treatments can sometimes lead to complications, so monitoring and managing these outcomes is important.
In summary, tongue cancer arises in the cells lining the tongue and can be categorized as oral or oropharyngeal based on its location. Key causes include tobacco, excess alcohol, and HPV. If you develop this cancer, you might notice persistent tongue sores or bumps, numbness, and bleeding, among other symptoms. Treatments vary based on cancer’s stage and include surgery, radiation, and potentially chemotherapy. To reduce your risk, avoid tobacco, drink moderately, maintain a healthy diet, and visit your dentist regularly.
