General Information About Tongue Cancer
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the most common of oral cavity cancers, occurring when the squamous cells covering the tongue surface multiply uncontrollably, forming a painful mass or an open wound.
All tobacco products (cigarettes, pipes), excessive alcohol consumption, continuous irritation of the tongue by sharp broken teeth or poorly fitted dentures, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections.
Painful open sores on the tongue that tend to bleed and do not heal for more than 2-3 weeks; thick white/red patches on the tongue, difficulty chewing and swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Simple aphthous ulcers are very painful but completely heal and disappear on their own within 7-10 days. A cancerous sore, however, does not heal even after months, continues to grow, and creates a feeling of hardness (a mass) in the tissue.
Following an examination by an ENT specialist, a small piece of tissue (biopsy) is taken from the suspicious lesion on the tongue under local anesthesia and sent for pathological examination to establish a definitive diagnosis.
In early stages, the cancerous area is surgically excised, leaving a clear margin around it. Depending on the spread of the disease, lymph nodes in the neck may also be cleared. In advanced cases, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are administered following surgery.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
