Tongue Cancer

Tongue cancer is a type of oral cancer that develops in the cells of the tongue. It most commonly arises from squamous cells, which are the flat cells covering the surface of the tongue. It can occur on the oral part of the tongue (the front two-thirds) or the base of the tongue (back one-third), with cancers at the base being more challenging to detect early.

Types of Tongue Cancer:

• Oral Tongue Cancer: Affects the part of the tongue that you can see and move. This is the most common type and is often classified under mouth cancers.
• Base of the Tongue Cancer: Affects the base of the tongue, which is closer to the throat and is typically categorized as a type of oropharyngeal cancer.

Risk Factors:

• Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco is a leading cause of tongue cancer.
• Alcohol Use: Excessive drinking increases the risk, especially when combined with tobacco use.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV infection, particularly HPV-16, is associated with cancers of the base of the tongue.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Lack of proper dental care may contribute to the development of tongue cancer.
• Chronic Irritation: Persistent irritation from rough teeth, dental fillings, or ill-fitting dentures can increase cancer risk.
• Family History of Cancer: A genetic predisposition may increase susceptibility.

Symptoms:

• A persistent sore or ulcer on the tongue that doesn’t heal.
• Pain or difficulty in swallowing.
• A lump or thickening of the tongue.
• Red or white patches on the tongue.
• Unexplained bleeding from the tongue.
• Numbness or pain in the tongue or mouth.
• Speech difficulties (in advanced cases).
• Ear pain (due to referred pain from the tongue).

Stages of Tongue Cancer:

• Stage I: The cancer is small (2 cm or less) and has not spread to lymph nodes or other areas.
• Stage II: The tumor is between 2 and 4 cm and has not spread.
• Stage III: The tumor is larger than 4 cm, or it has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other tissues, lymph nodes, or distant organs.

Treatment:

• Surgery: The primary treatment for early-stage tongue cancer involves removing the tumor. In some cases, part of the tongue may need to be removed (partial or full glossectomy), which can affect speech and swallowing.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: This involves drugs that kill cancer cells, often used in combination with radiation for advanced-stage cancers.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs like cetuximab may be used to target specific proteins on cancer cells, often in combination with other treatments.
• Rehabilitation: After treatment, patients may need speech therapy or reconstructive surgery to help with swallowing and speech functions.