Are you worried about tongue cancer? Let's talk about it!

Sometimes it's a little scary to see a small wound or spot on your tongue, isn't it? Or do you feel a little difficulty when swallowing food? You might be wondering if these could be symptoms of tongue cancer. So today, let's talk about what tongue cancer is, what causes it, its symptoms, treatment, and how to protect yourself from it.

What is Tongue Cancer?

Simply put, tongue cancer is when the cells in your tongue start to grow out of control and rapidly. Our tongue starts near the small bone where your chin meets your neck (this is also called the hyoid bone, which is the bone under your chin, where your neck begins) and extends all the way to the bottom of your mouth.

Now look, this cancer is called by two names depending on where it develops.

• If you develop cancer on the front of your tongue, which you can see, doctors call it oral cancer or oral tongue cancer .
• However, if cancer develops on the inside of the tongue, near the throat , where you can't see it, it's called oropharyngeal cancer or base of tongue cancer. This is a little deeper, so it may not be easy to see.

What types of cancer occur in the tongue?

Although there are many different types of cancer that can develop on the tongue, the most common type is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Squamous cells are a type of flat cell found in the outermost layer of our skin. Think of it like the plaster on top of a wall. SCC usually develops in areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun. However, it can also develop in areas like the mucous membranes inside the mouth, which are the delicate, moist skin on the inside of the mouth.

How common is this tongue cancer?

In fact, tongue cancer is generally very rare . It accounts for less than 1% of newly diagnosed cancers in a country like the United States. However, it is considered a relatively common type of cancer among head and neck cancers .

Another thing is that men are twice as likely to develop this type of tongue cancer than women . Also, it is more common among people over the age of 40. So it is good to be a little more careful about this as you age.

What are the symptoms of tongue cancer?

First of all, the symptoms of tongue cancer are not always obvious. Whether or not the cancer is visible, and what it looks like, depends on where the tumor is and how far the disease has spread. Sometimes, there may be no symptoms at all.

However, there are a few common outward signs that can be seen:

• Red patches (doctors call this ``erythroplakia'') or white patches (``leukoplakia'') on your tongue. These may not go away on their own.
• A lump or tumor on the side of the tongue that bleeds easily .
• A red or gray sore on the tongue that does not heal . If this sore does not heal after two to three weeks, you should be suspicious.

In addition to this, other symptoms may appear, so keep an eye out for these as well:

• Feeling of thickening of the skin inside the mouth.
• A sore throat that doesn't go away (chronic pharyngitis). It feels like your throat is always sore .
• Neck pain .
• Ear pain (this can occur especially if the tongue cancer has spread to the throat).
• A feeling of something stuck in the throat.
• Numbness of the tongue or other parts of the mouth.
• A burning sensation on the tongue.
• Difficulty or pain when chewing or swallowing food.
• Hoarseness of voice , or change in voice.
• Swelling of the jaw.
• Loose teeth.
• Sudden changes in the dentures you are using (like they no longer fit properly).

If you have one or more of these symptoms, please see a doctor.

What are the causes of tongue cancer?

Experts are still trying to figure out exactly what causes this. But what they do know is that tongue cancer occurs when abnormal cells start to grow out of control. Why some people get it and others don't, and why these cells grow out of control, are still being studied. Many researchers believe that these cancers are caused by changes in genes (DNA mutations) that affect the tongue . These genes are like instruction books for our cells, and problems arise when those instructions go wrong.

What are the risk factors for tongue cancer?

Experts have identified several factors that increase the risk of developing tongue cancer. We call these risk factors. The two most important and powerful risk factors are heavy smoking and heavy drinking (alcohol use disorder). If you have both of these, your risk is even higher. Think about it, the harmful chemicals in cigarettes damage the cells of your tongue, and alcohol can make that damage worse. It's like pouring acid on a wound.

Other risk factors are:

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection: This is a major cause of base of tongue cancer. Rarely, it can also cause oral tongue cancer. HPV is a very common virus and often causes no symptoms.
• Chewing tobacco: Chewing tobacco with betel nut is also a big risk. This is a relatively common practice in our country, so special care should be taken with this.
• Betel nut chewing: Even chewing betel nut alone increases the risk of tongue cancer.
• Family history of oral or oropharyngeal cancers: Family history also plays a role.
• You have had cancer before (especially squamous cell carcinoma).

How do doctors diagnose tongue cancer? (Diagnosis)

Dentists are often the first to suspect tongue cancer . This could be during routine dental exams, oral cancer screenings, or when your family doctor (Primary Care Physician - PCP) is examining you for another condition.

To find out more, your doctor may do the following:

• A special light (fluorescent light) will be shined inside your mouth to look for any abnormal tissue.
• A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a camera and light attached to it is used to look inside the mouth and throat. This allows a good view inside.
• The lymph nodes in the neck are checked for swelling. We also call these 'swellings'. These can become swollen when there is cancer.

If a doctor sees signs of tongue cancer, they will likely order a biopsy . This involves taking a small sample of the affected tissue and sending it to a lab. There, a pathologist looks at the tissue under a microscope to see if it contains cancer cells. It's like a detective looking for evidence!

In addition, your doctor may order imaging tests like these to see how far the cancer has spread and how large it is:

• CT scan (CT - computed tomography scans)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans
• PET scan (positron emission tomography scans)

What are the treatments for tongue cancer? (Treatment)

Treatment for tongue cancer depends on several factors. The size of the tumor, its location, and how far the cancer cells have spread are considered. There are several main treatment options:

• Tongue cancer surgery: This usually involves removing part of the tongue, or sometimes the entire tongue (glossectomy). Sometimes, a neck dissection is also performed to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body (metastasis). Think of it like cutting off a branch from a rotten tree so that it doesn't spread to other parts of the body.
• Radiation therapy: Doctors sometimes use radiation therapy to shrink the tumor before surgery. But more often, it is given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. It is also sometimes used as a single treatment if the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.
• Drug therapies: These include chemotherapy , immunotherapy , and targeted therapy . All of these work to fight and destroy cancer cells.

What is the chance of recovery if you develop tongue cancer? (Outlook)

Tongue cancer is more likely to be cured if it is detected and treated early . That's why it's so important to tell a doctor right away if you notice a new lump, spot, or sore on your tongue that won't heal. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to treat.

After surgery for tongue cancer, speech therapy and reconstructive surgery can help you regain your ability to speak and swallow. So don't worry, there are experts who can help. It may take some time, but with practice, you can get back to normal.

What is the survival rate for tongue cancer?

The survival rate of someone with tongue cancer depends on whether the cancer has spread to other areas.

These 'survival rates' compare people with a certain type of cancer and its risk to those in the general population. For example, if the five-year survival rate for a certain type of cancer is 93%, that means that 93 out of 100 people with that type and stage of cancer are still alive five years after being diagnosed.

But remember, these survival rates are only estimates. They don't tell you exactly how long you'll live or what treatment will work best for you. Everyone's body and disease process are different. Talk to your doctor for more information.

How to prevent tongue cancer? (Prevention)

Tongue cancer cannot be completely prevented. However, there are things you can do to significantly reduce your risk :

• Avoid tobacco and alcohol: The best way to prevent tongue cancer is to stay away from tobacco (cigarettes, beedis, cigars, chewing tobacco) and alcohol. These are the two main risk factors. Even after years of quitting, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing all types of mouth and throat cancer.
• Get the HPV vaccine: HPV is a major cause of throat cancer. It's common and rarely causes symptoms. The HPV vaccine can protect against tongue cancer, as well as cancers of the cervix, penis, vagina, and anus. Ask your doctor about this.
• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains: Try to get your nutrition from fresh, unprocessed foods. Limit red meat, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods. Ask your doctor about a nutrition plan that's right for you.
• See your dentist regularly: During these appointments, your dentist can perform routine checkups for oral cancer. In addition, good oral health is beneficial for the health and well-being of your entire body.

When should you see a doctor?

If you notice a new lump, blister, spot, sore, or color change on your tongue, especially if it's been there for more than two weeks , be sure to see a doctor. Don't just ignore it. It may not be anything serious, but it's best to get it checked out.

In addition, see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. For most people, that means every six months. However, your dentist will tell you how often you should come based on your needs. If there is anything suspicious, they may be able to spot it during a routine checkup.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If you are diagnosed with tongue cancer, you may want to ask your doctor questions like these:

• Do you know what causes this tumor to form?
• Has the cancer spread? If so, how far?
• What are my next steps? What should I do?
• What kind of treatment do I need?
• How long does treatment take?
• Should I plan to take time off from work or school?
• When will I know if the treatment is successful?
• What are the side effects of treatment? What can be done about them?

Not only these questions, but anything you have in mind, even the slightest doubt, don't hesitate to ask the doctor. They are there to help you.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

It's normal to feel scared, disappointed, and perhaps even deeply saddened when you or someone you love is diagnosed with tongue cancer. But don't panic . Your doctor is here to help. They can talk to you about treatment options and find resources to support you every step of the way.

Early detection and treatment are key. So, if you notice a new spot, lump or anything else suspicious on your tongue – tell your doctor. Hurry up, save a life! You are not alone, we are all here to help you on this journey.

` Tongue Cancer, Tongue Cancer, Oral Cancer, Cancer Symptoms, Cancer Causes, Cancer Treatment, HPV