Tongue Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Tongue cancer is a type of oral cancer that develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the tissues of the tongue. It is considered part of head and neck cancers and can affect speech, swallowing, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, knowledge, screening, and research are helping us understand it better every year.

In this blog, we’ll explain what tongue cancer is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed and treated, preventative steps, and, importantly, how research is shaping the future of care.

What Is Tongue Cancer?

Tongue cancer is a type of oral cancer that usually starts in the flat, thin cells called squamous cells that line the surface of the tongue (squamous cell carcinoma). In most cases, it starts as a small sore or lump that does not heal and affects speech, swallowing, and overall health.

There are two main areas where tongue cancer can start:

• Oral tongue cancer – affects the front of the tongue in the mouth. It is often easier to notice early during routine dental or medical exams.
• Oropharyngeal tongue cancer – affects the base of the tongue near the throat. This type may grow unnoticed for a while since it’s harder to see.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Tongue Cancer

Recognizing the signs and symptoms during the early stage of tongue cancer can make a significant difference.

The following are some common early signs that must not be overlooked:

• A small ulcer or sore on the tongue that doesn’t heal within a few weeks.
• Red or white patches on the tongue’s surface.
• Persistent pain or a burning feeling in the mouth or tongue.
• Numbness or loss of feeling in part of the tongue or mouth.

Meanwhile, if the cancer progresses, then it can cause the following symptoms:

• Trouble chewing or swallowing.
• Pain in the jaw or ear that doesn’t go away.
• Change in voice (hoarseness).
• Coughing up blood.
• A lump in the neck (indicating the cancer has spread to lymph nodes).

Although these symptoms can resemble other common oral issues, such as ulcers or infections, if any of these symptoms last longer than two weeks, medical evaluation is important.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Tongue Cancer

Tongue cancer begins when cells in the tongue undergo changes in their DNA, which make the cells grow uncontrollably. While researchers don’t always know the exact single cause, it is considered that DNA-mutations that affect the tongue cause tongue cancer.

Risk Factors of Tongue Cancer

The most common factors that can increase the risk of tongue cancer include:

• Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco is the single biggest risk factor. Chemicals in tobacco can damage DNA in tongue cells.
• Alcohol: Heavy drinking greatly increases risk, especially when combined with tobacco use.
• HPV infection: Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (especially HPV-16) are linked to cancers of the base of the tongue.

Other risk factors include:

• Genetics or family history: Biological family history of oral or oropharyngeal cancers can increase the risk.
• Age and gender: Tongue cancer is more common in people over 40 and is diagnosed more often in men than women.
• Poor oral hygiene or chronic irritation: These can contribute to abnormal cell changes.
• Weakened immune system: Use of immunosuppressants after organ transplant or infections such as HIV can also contribute.

While not all cases are preventable, reducing known risks helps lower your chances.

Other Oral Cancers Associated with Tongue Cancer

Tongue cancer is one of several types of oral cancers that affect the mouth region. It is often discussed alongside the following types of oral cancers:

• Lip cancer
• Gum cancer
• Throat cancer

Other related conditions include cancer on the roof of the mouth, cancer on the floor of the mouth, and buccal mucosa (inner cheeks) cancer. In rare cases, cancers like salivary gland cancer may also appear in nearby tissues.

Understanding these categories helps doctors plan accurate treatment. Therefore, precise diagnosis is key to effective care and recovery.

How is Tongue Cancer Diagnosed?

Doctors may diagnose cancer on the tongue through:

Physical Exam

A doctor or dentist examines the mouth and throat for visible signs. This may include looking for lumps and inspecting red or white patches.

Biopsy

A small sample of affected tissue is taken and reviewed under a microscope to confirm whether cancer cells are present.

Imaging Tests

Scans like MRI, CT, or PET scan help doctors see how far the cancer has spread.

Remember, accurate diagnosis helps ensure you receive the right care at the right time. Therefore, following through with recommended tests is essential for your health.

What Are Treatment Options for Tongue Cancer

Tongue cancer treatment depends on the stage, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health.

Some common treatment options include:

Surgery

Removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue is common, especially if the cancer is caught early. Sometimes, this may include part of the tongue or nearby structures.

Radiation Therapy

High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors, often after surgery to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Chemotherapy

Powerful drugs that travel through the body to kill cancer cells are used, especially if the disease has spread or there’s a higher risk of it returning.

Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy

Newer treatment types aim to target specific features of cancer cells or to activate the immune system to attack them.

Sometimes, treatments are combined for better results. On the other hand, early-stage cases may only need surgery.

In addition, many patients explore head and neck cancer clinical trials to access newer therapies. These studies often focus on improving results for various oral cancers while reducing side effects.

Outlook and Prognosis of Tongue Cancer

The tongue cancer survival rate varies depending on how early the cancer is detected. Early stages have significantly higher survival rates, whereas advanced stages may have lower survival rates and require more intensive treatment.

Moreover, clinical trials for oncology have also helped improve survival outcomes for tongue cancer over time.

Prevention and Healthy Habits

Not all cases of tongue cancer can be prevented, but healthy lifestyle choices can lower your risk. For example:

• Quit tobacco
• Limit alcohol
• Get the HPV vaccine
• Maintain oral health

Conclusion

In conclusion, tongue cancer is a serious condition, but early detection puts you in control. By understanding symptoms, causes, treatment options, and survival rates, you can take action sooner and feel more confident in your choices.

Moreover, if you or someone you love notices unusual tongue changes, do not wait. Talk to a healthcare provider and explore all available options, including clinical research studies in Nebraska.

If you want more updates on cancer care and research, connect with NHO Revive for professional guidance.