The oral tongue and the base of the tongue make up the whole of your tongue. The oral tongue is about two thirds of the tongue, visible easily when you stick out your tongue. The base of the tongue is the remaining one third which is close to the throat or pharynx. Cancer can affect any of these two parts. Those cancers which develop on the oral tongue are called oral cancers or mouth cancers while those developing on the base are called oropharyngeal cancers.
Types of tongue cancers
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common tongue cancer. this cancer starts in the squamous cells which are flat and thin cells, look just like skin and cover the entire area comprising of the lining of your mouth, the nose, larynx, thyroid as well as throat.
There are some other types of tongue cancers also and they are named after the structure or tissue of their origin.
Symptoms of tongue cancer
If you notice a stubborn red or whitish patch on your tongue or gum or tonsil, which refuses to go, it could be a symptom of cancer. A sore throat or pain while swallowing for a prolonged period of time is also a symptom of tongue cancer. An ulcer on the tongue or bleeding from the tongue for no apparent reason is also symptom of tongue cancer. Continuous pain in the tongue or jaw could also signify tongue cancer.
A lump on the side of your tongue which touches your teeth which bleeds at the slightest touch could also be a symptom of oral cancer. A thickening or lump in the inside of the mouth is also a symptom. If you feel your mouth constantly devoid of any sensation or numbness which does not go, this could also be a symptom of tongue cancer.
The cancer of the base of the tongue usually goes undetected for a long time because it is not visible in the early stages. The symptoms are also few in the early stage. With time, this tumor causes pain, difficulty in swallowing, change in voice or the feeling of having a lump in the throat. A rare symptom is ear pain.
Though these symptoms don’t necessarily signify tongue cancer, it is better to consult a doctor and rule out the possibility of cancer.
Risk factors for tongue cancer
Cancer of the tongue is found more commonly in people above 40 years of age. It is also found that it is more common in men than women, probably because more men smoke and drink than women.
Smoking too much tobacco in the form of cigarettes, cigars or pipes is a major risk factor for tongue cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption along with tobacco can be the killer combination which leads to tongue cancer.
Another risk factor is the HPV virus which can get transmitted only through sexual contact.
Diagnosis of tongue cancer
Along with medical history and physical examination, you may need X-rays, CAT scan, PET scan or biopsy to determine if you have cancer.
Treatment for tongue cancer
Similar to other cancers, tongue cancer can also be treated better if detected at an early stage. Depending on the size of the cancer as well as the extent to which it has spread, your doctor may decide about the appropriate treatment.
Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy are the common treatments for tongue cancer. You may need one or more of the treatments. Surgery may be done to remove your tongue in part or completely. This will affect your speech and swallowing ability. Your doctors can give you detailed information about how you can adapt with these changes which are very uncomfortable but necessary to save your life.
Side effects of treatment for tongue cancer
All treatments for tongue cancers have their share of side effects. In case of surgery, your speech, eating and drinking gets affected severely. Radiation can give you a dry and sore mouth and your sense of taste will also get affected. Chemotherapy drugs have their own side effects.
Author Bio:
Sameer Gupta is a medical writer who writes well-researched, in-depth cancer articles which provide relevant information to help patients combat the deadly disease.