What is Tongue Cancer? Find out here!
Tongue cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the tongue. It is also known as squamous cell carcinoma. The most common symptoms include pain in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and changes in taste.
Tongue cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the tongue. The most common form of this disease is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This type of cancer usually starts as a small growth or sore on the surface of the tongue. As it grows, it may spread into nearby tissues such as the floor of mouth, lips, cheeks, gums, and other parts of the mouth.
There are several different kinds of tongue cancers. They are classified by how they start and where they occur. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are the most common kind of tongue cancer. These tumors begin when cells in the lining of the tongue become abnormal. SCCs tend to develop slowly and do not cause any symptoms until they reach an advanced stage.
Types of Tongue Cancer
Tongue cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells lining the inside of the mouth. The most common symptom of this disease is a lump or sore that appears on the surface of the tongue. Other signs include changes in taste, difficulty swallowing, pain, numbness, bleeding, and swelling.
If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
The cause of tongue cancer is unknown. However, it may be linked to certain habits such as smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, and using smokeless tobacco products.
There are two main types of tongue cancer: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and verrucous carcinoma (VC). SCC accounts for more than 90% of cases. It usually occurs in older adults, especially men who have been smokers or chewers. VC is less common and tends to occur in younger people. It often appears as warty growths on the surface of the tongue.
Tongue Cancer Treatment Options Depend
Treatment options depend on the stage of the disease. For early stages, surgery may be used. In more advanced cases, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both may be recommended.
If you notice any changes in your mouth, such as bleeding, pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, see your dentist immediately. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
Prevention includes quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol consumption, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Oral cancers are more common than cervical, breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancers combined. In fact, nearly 90 percent of oral cancers occur in people who smoke cigarettes. Other risk factors include chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, using marijuana, and having HPV (human papillomavirus).