Cancer of the tongue – causes, first symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

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Cancer of the tongue accounts for 35 percent. of all cancers affecting the mouth, and men are more likely to develop this disease. An early diagnosis of tongue cancer significantly increases the patient’s chances of recovery. How to recognize the first symptoms of tongue cancer? What is tongue cancer and how is it diagnosed? How is tongue cancer treated?

Cancer of the tongue – characteristics

Tongue cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. The disease begins in the cells of the tongue and often causes lesions and lumps on the tongue. Cancer of the tongue can go to the front of the tongue and is called mouth cancer. Cancer near the base of the tongue is called oropharyngeal cancer.

Tongue cancer is usually the primary cancer of this organ, rarely secondary. If metastasis occurs, it is most often the spread of thyroid gland cancer or kidney cancer. The cancer of the tongue itself, however, can metastasize, usually to the cervical and submandibular lymph nodes. The occurring metastases of tongue cancer are very important in the prognosis of the disease.

Cancer of the tongue – the causes of the disease

Specialists are not able to pinpoint a clear cause of tongue cancer. However, some habits or human behavior may increase the risk of developing this disease. The most common among these factors are:

1. heavy smoking or chewing tobacco,
2. excessive alcohol consumption,
3. infection with the human papillomavirus, or HPV
4. improper diet, especially insufficient supply of fruit and vegetables,
5. lack of proper oral hygiene,
6. poorly fitting dentures,
7. cases of cancer in a close family,
8. the presence of other squamous cell neoplasms in the patient.

What are the first symptoms of tongue cancer?

A problematic issue in diagnosing tongue cancer is the practically no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. The first symptom that usually bothers patients is a clear spot or pimple on the tongue that does not heal. It is not uncommon to see bleeding from the stain. Sometimes there is pain in the mouth and tongue. Many more symptoms of tongue cancer appear when the disease is already well advanced. Then the symptoms include:

1. salivation,
2. unpleasant smell from the mouth,
3. a tumor in the neck, caused by metastasis to the lymph nodes,
4. frequent choking of saliva,
5. trismus,
6. significant restriction of mobility, and sometimes complete immobilization of the tongue,
7. difficulty speaking
8. numbness in the mouth
9. hoarseness,
10. lack of appetite and appetite,
11. progressive weight loss, caused by pain and difficulty in eating.

Tongue cancer diagnosis

In the first stage of tongue cancer diagnosis, a specialist doctor, e.g. an oncologist, conducts a detailed interview with the patient, getting acquainted with the history of emerging symptoms. Family history of cancer is noteworthy. The doctor then examines the lymph nodes to see if they have any underlying disease. After finding changes within them, a sample of the tumor is taken for histopathological examination, after which the disease is finally found. Finally, the doctor recommends computed tomography, thanks to which the tumor size can be determined and treatment planned.

Tongue cancer – treatment

The initial stages of cancer are treated with surgery. The vast majority of early cancers of the tongue are curable. In the case of a significant advancement of the disease, several surgical operations are often performed, in which it is necessary to remove part or all of the tongue. This procedure is called a glossectomy. In addition to surgery, patients may be referred for radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Some people are offered targeted drug therapy.

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