This article provides a straightforward overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tongue cancer, also known as oral or oral cavity cancer.
There are a number of factors that can lead to tongue cancer, including:
Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco products significantly increases the risk of tongue cancer.
In addition to tobacco use, heavy or excessive alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for tongue cancer.
Several strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, are associated with an increased risk of developing tongue cancer, especially in children.
Inflammation of the tongue tissues caused by poor oral hygiene practices, ill-fitting dentures, or sharp or broken teeth can increase the risk of tongue cancer.
Tongue cancer is more common in older adults, particularly those over 45, and men have a higher risk than women.
There are several common symptoms of tongue cancer, including:
Tongue cancer may be detected by persistent ulcers or sores on the tongue that do not heal within a few weeks.
There is pain or discomfort in the tongue, throat, or mouth, particularly when chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
Tissue cancer may cause difficulty or changes in speech, such as slurred speech, hoarseness, or a change in voice quality.
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing solid foods or liquids, is often a symptom of advanced tongue cancer.
There may be tenderness or numbness associated with a lump or mass on the tongue or in the mouth.
Tongue cancer can cause changes in taste perception, such as a persistent metallic taste or loss of taste sensation.
Unintentional weight loss without changes in diet or physical activity may indicate tongue cancer in its advanced stages.
In order to diagnose tongue cancer, a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and tissue biopsy is usually performed. Diagnostic procedures may include:
A healthcare provider will examine the tongue, mouth, and throat thoroughly, looking for abnormal growths or lesions.
A computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scan may be ordered to visualize the extent of the tumor and determine if it has spread to nearby structures.
During a tissue biopsy, a pathologist removes a small sample of tissue from the suspicious lesion or tumor for examination under a microscope.
Depending on the stage and extent of the tumor, tongue cancer may be treated with:
A partial or total glossectomy can be performed to remove the cancerous tissue and preserve as much tongue function as possible.
In order to target and destroy cancer cells in the tongue, external beam radiation therapy or brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy) can be used alone or in combination with surgery.
To shrink tumors, prevent recurrences, or treat metastatic disease, chemotherapy drugs may be administered before or after surgery or in combination with radiation therapy.
In combination with other treatments for advanced or recurrent tongue cancer, targeted therapy drugs can be used to target cancer cells or molecular pathways involved in tumor growth and progression.
Some types of tongue cancer can be treated with immunotherapy drugs that boost the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
It is important to reduce exposure to known risk factors and adopt healthy lifestyle habits in order to prevent tongue cancer. Prevention strategies may include:
The risk of tongue cancer and other oral cancers is significantly reduced by quitting smoking and avoiding smokeless tobacco products.
Drinking moderately and avoiding heavy or excessive drinking can lower the risk of tongue cancer.
By brushing and flossing regularly and scheduling regular dental check-ups, you can prevent oral cancers, including tongue cancer.
HPV vaccination can reduce the risk of HPV-related tongue cancer, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins may help reduce the risk of tongue cancer and other cancers.
