Tongue cancer: Persistent mouth ulcer could be a symptom, know the rest

New Delhi: Tongue cancer is another type of neck and head cancer that is characterised by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Often triggered by changes in DNA, these abnormal cells are instructed to multiply at an aggressive pace to form a tumour that can be malignant, that is, cancerous. Oral cancers are the sixth most common ones in the world; and in India, one-third of the total cancer burden is blamed on this group of diseases.

What is tongue cancer?

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of tongue cancer. Talk of squamous cells, these are flat and thin cells found on the surface of the tongue, and in the lining of the mouth, throat, respiratory and digestive tract, thyroid, and larynx.

What are the symptoms of tongue cancer?

The most common symptom of this disease is an ulcer that won’t go away. But that is not where it ends. The symptoms of tongue cancer can be extremely painful and may range from a sore on the tongue to pain while swallowing food.

1. A sore throat that won’t get better
2. Pain while swallowing food or liquids
3. Mouth numbness that won’t get better
4. A lump in the neck
5. Difficulty in moving the tongue while talking
6. Red or white patch on the tongue that won’t get better
7. An ulcer or spot on the tongue that does not get better
8. Burning sensation or pain on the tongue
9. Pain in the ear
10. Unexplained bleeding from the tongue that is not triggered by biting or injury

What are the risk factors for tongue cancer?

Smoking is the most important risk factor associated with oral cancers; tongue cancer is no different. Other risk factors of this disease include:

1. Binge drinking alcohol
2. Smoking tobacco – cigars, cigarettes, or a hookah
3. Human papilloma virus (HPV)

The HPV virus is a risk factor as it infects the inner lining of the skin and cells which is also a symptom of tongue cancer.

How to diagnose tongue cancer?

For timely treatment and quick recovery, doctors recommend keeping an eye out for the symptoms of tongue cancer. If you are noticing some of them persistently, fix an appointment as soon as possible to prevent cancer from progressing to an advanced stage.

If the symptoms are consistent with the disease and doctors suspect it too, then a biopsy is performed for tongue cancer diagnosis – removing tissue and sending it for tests. Once a biopsy confirms cancer, a CT scan or MRI is performed to see how advanced the cancer is and if it has spread to other body parts or not. Conclusively, the appropriate treatment is recommended to patients which may range from surgery to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.