About Tongue Cancer

Tongue cancer is a common form of oral cancer that causes tumors and lesions on the tongue. In fact, with the exception of lip cancer, tongue cancer is the most prevalent form of oral cavity cancer. The key to successful treatment is early diagnosis, which is why learning how to identify tongue cancer is so important.

Instructions

Types

• 1

  There are two main types of tongue cancer, but both are squamous cell carcinomas. The difference is where the cancer is found. Squamous cell cancer of the oral tongue is a tumor that is found on the visible part of the tongue. Squamous cell cancer of the base of the tongue occurs in the area that is behind the part of the tongue that can be seen easily. Because the tissue in these two areas of the tongue is quite different, the two cancers are not treated in the same manner.

Function

• 2

  Tongue cancer usually begins as a thick white patch or small lump on the tongue. The cancer will eventually open and turn into an ulcer with a raised rim and interior that bleed easily. These tumors spread quickly, and can cause the tongue to become stiff. They can also cause problems with talking or swallowing if not treated quickly. In the case of base of the tongue cancer, the problem is often not detected until it has grown significantly, because this part of the tongue cannot be seen and early stage cancers do not usually cause much pain.

Time Frame

• 3

  Tongue cancer does not have a known cause, but age does seem to be a risk factor. The cancer is rarely seen in anyone who is younger than 40 years old. It is most common in people, especially men, who are over the age of 60. Patients who catch their cancer in the early stages have a high five-year disease free rate, nearly 70 percent. However, those who do not catch the disease until it has advanced have only a 30 percent five-year disease free rate.

Potential

• 4

  Research has not yet shown a cause of tongue cancer. There are, however, several risk factors for the condition. Exposure to tobacco smoke, either direct or second-hand, is one risk factor. Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of developing tongue cancer. Another risk factor is suffering from a chronic viral infection, particularly the Epstein-Barr Virus. Patients with a repressed immune system, such as those who have recently undergone organ transplant, can also be at higher risk for developing tongue cancer.

Identification

• 5

  The lesions that are present on the tongue are typically the first sign that a patient will notice when they have tongue cancer. Pain can also be a sign of late stage cancers. Physicians will use a variety of diagnostic tools to determine the extent of the disease before choosing a treatment. These include x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. If the tumor can be reached, a biopsy of the tumor is often done to verify that it is cancerous.

Prevention/Solution

• 6

  Treatment for tongue cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Early stage cancers, which are usually oral tongue cancers, can usually be treated through surgery to remove the lesion. If surgery would hamper the ability to talk or swallow, physicians typically turn to radiotherapy. If the disease is advanced, a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy will likely be used. Some patients must go through rehabilitation after surgery to relearn how to swallow or talk.