Early Symptoms of Tongue Cancer

By the Mayo Clinic's estimate, more than 10,000 Americans each year are diagnosed with tongue cancer. Both types of tongue cancer--one considered an oral cancer, the other a throat cancer--produce similar symptoms during their early stages.

Significance

• Knowing the early symptoms of tongue cancer aids in early detection. If detected early, tongue cancer is highly curable, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Types

• Red or white patches on the tongue, difficulty swallowing or chewing and persistent sore throat are all early symptoms of tongue cancer.

Diagnosis

• To diagnose tongue cancer, doctors will generally take a biopsy, or tissue sample, and check it for cancer. X-rays, CT scans and MRIs may also be ordered.

Considerations

• Early symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have tongue cancer. They can also indicate other, less serious conditions, but you should consult your doctor to be sure. Only a doctor is qualified to tell if your symptoms are cancer.

Expert Insight

• According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the early symptoms of tongue cancer are uncommon in anyone under 45 years old.