Tongue Cancer

Tongue cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the tissues of the tongue. The tongue is a muscular organ located in the mouth, extending from the throat into the mouth. It's crucial for many functions, including tasting food, speaking, and swallowing.

There are two main types of tongue cancer, depending on where it begins:

• Oral tongue cancer starts on the part of the tongue inside your mouth. This type of cancer often shows noticeable symptoms early on. Because this part of the tongue is visible, a doctor, dentist, or other healthcare professional might spot it during a routine exam.

• Oropharyngeal tongue cancer develops on the part of the tongue that's closer to the throat. This type of cancer might grow for a while without causing any obvious symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they often resemble other common issues, like a sore throat or earache. The back of the tongue is harder to examine, which means the cancer may not be detected right away. Often, the cancer is discovered only after it has spread to the lymph nodes in your neck.

Many cancers can affect the tongue, but tongue cancer most commonly starts in the flat, thin cells lining its surface. These are called squamous cells, and cancer that begins in these cells is called squamous cell carcinoma.

When developing a treatment plan, your healthcare team considers several factors, including:

• The type of cancer cells: Knowing the specific type of cancer helps determine the best approach.
• The location of the cancer: The location influences the treatment options and potential complications.
• The size of the cancer: Larger tumors may require more extensive treatment.

Treatment for tongue cancer typically involves a combination of approaches, such as:

• Surgery: Removing the cancerous tissue.
• Radiation therapy: Using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
• Targeted therapy: Using drugs that specifically target cancer cells.

The specific combination of treatments will be determined by your healthcare team based on your individual situation.

Tongue cancer can sometimes have no noticeable symptoms at first. A doctor or dentist might discover it during a routine mouth examination. If tongue cancer develops in the mouth, a common early sign is a sore on the tongue that doesn't heal. Other possible early warning signs include pain or bleeding in the mouth, and a noticeable lump or thickening on the tongue.

If tongue cancer affects the throat, it might first show up as swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Other potential symptoms include coughing up blood, losing weight, and ear pain. A lump in the back of the mouth, throat, or neck could also be a sign.

Here are some other possible symptoms of tongue cancer:

• Changes in the mouth lining: A red or white patch on the tongue or inside of your mouth.
• Persistent sore throat: A sore throat that won't go away.
• Feeling of something stuck: A feeling that something is caught in your throat.
• Numbness or tingling: Numbness or a tingling sensation in your mouth or tongue.
• Problems with eating and speaking: Difficulty or pain when chewing, swallowing, moving your jaw, or moving your tongue.
• Jaw swelling: Swelling in your jaw.
• Changes in your voice: A noticeable change in your voice.

If you experience any of these symptoms or anything else that concerns you, it's important to schedule an appointment with your doctor, dentist, or another healthcare provider. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

If you're feeling unwell or have any health concerns, it's important to see a doctor, dentist, or other healthcare provider. Make an appointment to discuss your symptoms and get the care you need.

Changes in the DNA of healthy tongue cells can trigger tongue cancer. DNA contains the instructions that tell cells what to do. These changes tell the cells to multiply uncontrollably and survive when, normally, they would die. This leads to a buildup of extra cells, forming a growth called a tumor. Over time, these cells can break off and travel to other parts of the body.

The exact causes of these DNA changes are often unknown. However, some tongue cancers, particularly those located in the throat, may be linked to human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus spread through sexual contact. Interestingly, tongue cancers in the throat that are HPV-related often respond better to treatment than those not linked to HPV.

Tongue cancer risk is often linked to several factors. The biggest risk comes from using tobacco in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff. These products significantly raise the chances of developing the disease.

Heavy and frequent alcohol use is another major risk factor. Drinking alcohol and using tobacco together multiplies the risk even more.

In recent years, a connection between certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and tongue cancer, especially in the throat area, has become clearer. Exposure to these specific HPV types can increase the risk.

Beyond these key factors, other things can contribute to a higher risk. Men are more likely to develop tongue cancer than women, which may be due to higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use among men.

Age is also a factor. People over 45 tend to have a higher risk. This is often because of a lifetime of potential exposure to harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol.

Poor oral hygiene can also play a role. Regular dental care and good oral hygiene practices are important to maintain a healthy mouth and reduce the risk. The risk of tongue cancer is even greater for those who also use tobacco and alcohol.

A weakened immune system can also be a risk factor. This can happen from taking medication to suppress the immune system, such as after an organ transplant. Illnesses like HIV infection can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk.

You can lower your chances of getting tongue cancer by making some healthy choices.

Quit tobacco use. If you don't use tobacco, don't start. If you do use tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, etc.), talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about ways to stop. Stopping tobacco use is a significant step toward reducing your risk of many cancers, not just tongue cancer.

Drink alcohol in moderation. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself. For healthy adults, this means no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men. Excessive alcohol use is linked to a higher risk of many cancers.

Get vaccinated against HPV. The HPV vaccine can help protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is associated with some types of cancer, including tongue cancer. Talk to your doctor about whether the HPV vaccine is right for you. This vaccine is often recommended for adolescents, but adults may also benefit from it in some cases.

Have regular checkups. Regular dental and medical exams are crucial. During these checkups, your dentist or doctor can look for any signs of tongue cancer or precancerous changes in your mouth. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so don't skip these important appointments. It's important to note that these checkups can also help detect other oral health problems and overall health concerns.

Diagnosing Tongue Cancer: A Look at the Tests

Doctors, dentists, and other healthcare providers often find tongue cancer during routine checkups. Several tests help determine if cancer is present and, if so, its extent. The best tests depend on your individual medical history and symptoms.

Here are some common tests used to diagnose tongue cancer:

1. Physical Examination: Your healthcare provider will carefully examine your mouth, throat, and neck. They'll look for any unusual lumps or swellings on your tongue and check for swollen lymph nodes in your neck. This is a simple, initial step.

2. Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (an endoscope) is inserted through your nose and down your throat. This allows the doctor to visually inspect your mouth and throat for signs of cancer. The endoscope can also check other parts of your throat, like your voice box, to see if the cancer has spread.

3. Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a small sample of suspicious tissue from your tongue. This is done in a few ways:

• Excisional Biopsy: A piece of the suspicious tissue is cut out.
• Incisional Biopsy: A small piece of tissue from the suspicious area is removed.
• Needle Biopsy: A thin needle is inserted into the suspicious area to collect cells.

The collected tissue sample is sent to a lab for analysis. Lab tests will determine if the cells are cancerous and, if so, provide more details about the cancer, such as whether it's related to HPV (Human Papillomavirus).

4. Imaging Tests: These tests create images of the inside of your body to show the size and location of the cancer. Common imaging tests for tongue cancer include:

• X-rays: Sometimes, a special X-ray called a barium swallow is used. Barium liquid coats the throat, making it easier to see on X-rays and helps detect cancer in the throat.
• CT (Computed Tomography) Scans: These scans produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scans: These scans use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images.
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scans: These scans can help determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
• Ultrasound: Sound waves are used to create images, particularly useful for checking the lymph nodes in the neck to see if the cancer has spread there.

These tests help your healthcare team understand the extent of the cancer and plan the best treatment approach. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate tests based on your specific situation.