About Tongue Cancer
The root causes of tongue cancer are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development. These include:
Non-modifiable risk factors for tongue cancer cannot be changed or controlled. These include:
- Ager: Oral cancer, including tongue cancer, is more common in older individuals
- Sex: Oral cancer, including tongue cancer, is more common in males.
- Family history: Having a family history of tongue or mouth cancers can also raise the risk.
Modifiable risk factors for tongue cancer can be influenced or changed. These include:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco: Heavy tobacco use, including chewing tobacco, is a significant risk factor for tongue cancer.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake is another modifiable risk factor for tongue cancer.
- HPV infection: In recent years, there has been a rise in HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma cases, which may contribute to the development of tongue cancer. Certain strains of HPV, especially HPV16, have been linked to an increased risk of tongue cancer.
- Poor diet: A diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in red meat or processed foods may increase the risk of tongue cancer.
It's important to note that while these factors are associated with an increased risk of tongue cancer, they do not guarantee its development. If you have concerns about your risk factors or symptoms, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.
Common early symptoms of tongue cancer include:
- A sore on the tongue that doesn't heal and bleeds easily
- Mouth or tongue pain
- Red or white patch on the tongue that persists
- Tongue ulcer that persists
- Pain when swallowing
- Mouth numbness
- Sore throat that persists
- Bleeding from the tongue with no apparent cause
- Lump on the tongue that persists
As tongue cancer progresses or becomes more severe, additional symptoms may occur, such as:
- Jaw pain or throat pain
- Feeling as though something is catching in the throat
- Stiff tongue or jaw
- Problems swallowing or chewing food
- Numbness in the mouth
- Weight loss
It's important to note that having these symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has tongue cancer. Other conditions affecting the mouth or throat can produce similar symptoms. If you experience any concerning symptoms, it's best to consult with your healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
To diagnose tongue cancer, healthcare professionals commonly perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history: The healthcare professional will gather information about your medical history and any previous diagnoses.
- Physical exam: The healthcare professional checks for lumps, swelling, pain, difficulty moving the tongue, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Visual examination: The tongue will be visually examined for any abnormalities or lesions.
- Biopsy: A small sample of tissue from the tongue may be taken for analysis in a laboratory to confirm if a lesion is cancerous.
- Toluidine blue dye test: This test involves coating the inside of the mouth with a dye that turns darker if it spreads over an abnormal area.
- Fluorescent light test: A special light is used to examine the mouth, and any abnormal areas will reflect light differently.
- Imaging studies: These may include ultrasound, CT (computed tomography) scan, or PET (positron emission tomography) scan to assess the size, depth, and spread of the cancer.
It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider if any symptoms worsen or change after the initial examination. They can recommend specific lab tests or clinical procedures based on your individual case. Remember to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice.
The goals of treatment for tongue cancer are to remove the cancerous tumor and prevent its spread, while preserving as much of the tongue's function and appearance as possible. The recommended treatments and their mechanisms include:
- Surgery: The primary treatment for tongue cancer is surgery, such as a glossectomy, which involves removing all or part of the tongue. The goal is to excise the tumor with a wide margin and prevent local recurrences. Reconstruction surgery may be performed to restore function and appearance.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy X-rays or particles are used to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. It can be used alongside surgery or as an alternative for advanced cases where surgery is not suitable. Radiation therapy improves outcomes by targeting cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Anticancer drugs are administered intravenously (through an IV) or orally to reach cancer cells throughout the body via the bloodstream. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with other treatments, especially for advanced tongue cancer. It aims to slow tumor growth and relieve symptoms.
- Targeted therapy: Medications are used to identify and attack specific proteins on cancer cells, slowing their growth. This treatment option may be easier to tolerate than chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy: This approach enhances the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy can be used alongside chemotherapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
It is important to note that specific medication types, therapies, therapeutic procedures, and health behavior changes can vary based on individual circumstances. Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial for personalized treatment recommendations and guidance.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.