Cancer of the tongue

Cancer of the tongue

Cancer of the tongue is one of the oral cancers. It particularly affects people aged over 50 and is similar to the formation of blisters on the tongue, pain or difficulty swallowing.

Definition of tongue cancer

Cancer of the tongue is one of the oral cancers, affecting the inside of the mouth.

In the majority of cases, cancer of the tongue concerns the mobile part, or the tip of the tongue. In other, rarer cases, this cancer can develop in the posterior part of the tongue.

Whether it is damage to the tip of the tongue or to the part further downstream, the clinical signs are generally similar. However, symptomatic differences may appear depending on the origin of the disease.

Oral cancers, and particularly of the tongue, are relatively rare. They represent only 3% of all cancers.

Different types of oral cancer

Carcinoma of the floor of the tongue,

Characterized by a significant development of cancer, starting from the tip of the tongue. Ear pain may be related, increasing salivation, but also speech difficulties or oral bleeding. This type of cancer of the tongue is particularly due to a lack of oral hygiene or to tissue irritation caused by very sharp teeth. But also by a badly adapted or badly maintained dental prosthesis, or by a consequent smoking.

Cheek carcinoma,

Characterized by a malignant lesion (leading to the development of a tumor) in the cheek. Pain, difficulty chewing, involuntary contractions of the cheek muscles or bleeding from the mouth are associated with this type of cancer.

Causes of tongue cancer

The exact cause of such cancer is often unknown. However, insufficient or inadequate oral hygiene, or stains on the teeth, can be causes.

Cancer of the tongue is often associated with the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, the development of cirrhosis of the liver or even syphilis.

Oral irritations or poorly maintained dentures can cause this cancer.

Genetic predispositions should not be totally dissociated in the context of the development of cancer of the tongue. This origin is however little documented.

Who is affected by cancer of the tongue

Cancer of the tongue particularly affects men over the age of 60. In rarer cases, it can also affect women under 40. However, each individual, whatever their age, is not completely spared from this risk.

Symptoms of tongue cancer

Usually, the first signs of cancer of the tongue are like: the appearance of blisters, reddish in color, on the side of the tongue. These blisters are persistent over time and heal spontaneously over time. However, they can start to bleed if they are bitten or handled.

In the early stages, cancer of the tongue is asymptomatic. Symptoms appear gradually, causing pain in the tongue, a change in the tone of the voice, or difficulty swallowing and swallowing.

Risk factors for cancer of the tongue

The risk factors for such cancer are:

  • advanced age (> 50 years)
  • le abagisme
  • Alcohol consumption
  • poor oral hygiene.

Tongue cancer treatment

The first diagnosis is visual, by the observation of reddish blisters. This is followed by analyzes of tissue samples taken from the site suspected of having cancer. THE” Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be useful in determining the exact location and size of the tumor.

Drug treatment is possible as part of the management of such cancer. Treatment varies, however, depending on the stage and progression of the cancer.

Surgery and the use of radiation therapy may also be necessary for the treatment of cancer of the tongue.

Doctors agree that prevention is inevitable, however, in order to limit the risk of developing cancer of the tongue. This prevention involves in particular stopping smoking, limiting alcohol consumption or even adapted oral hygiene on a daily basis.

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  1. Assalamu alaikum. Mlm don Allah Maganin ciwon dajin harshe nake nima nasha magugguna da dama amma kullun jiya eyau bana ganin saukinsa Masha na asiviti nasha na gargajiya amma kamar yana karuwane ciwon yafi sama da shekara biyar (5) Ina fama dashi amma haryanzu bansamu saukin saba, afarku Fara ciwon nawa harshena yafara ne da kuraje yana jan jini sa’an nan saii wasu Abu suka Fara fitumin a harshan suna tsaga harsha yana darewa don Allah wani magani zanyi amfani dashi nagode Allah da Al khairi

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