Tongue cancer occurs when healthy cells are affected and divide rapidly to form a growth or a tumor. These developments start as growth cells in the thin, flat cells called squamous cells on the tongue’s surface. There are two types of tongue cancers – oral tongue cancer, which occurs on the part visible when one sticks one’s tongue out, and oropharyngeal cancer, which is diagnosed after the mutations spread to the lymph nodes.
Signs and symptoms
The most common signs of tongue cancer are white or red patches, sores, or lumps on the side of the tongue, which usually do not go away. Other signs include pain in or near the tongue, changes in voice, a sore throat, numb mouth or tongue, and trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaws or tongue. One is likely to experience jaw swelling and a sensation that something is stuck in the throat.
Causes
Experts suspect various factors are responsible for tongue cancer. A cell’s DNA consists of various instructions that tell it what to do. Tongue cancer begins when the tongue’s healthy cells change their DNA, causing the cells to grow out of control and replace the healthy cells.
An excessive number of cancerous cells form growths called tumors, which can spread to other parts of the body. Experts also believe that the common human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cancers on the base of the tongue and is transmitted through human contact. Other risk factors may also contribute to the growth of tongue cancer, which includes people over the age of 45, the lack of dental care, and those with a weak immune system.
Management options
Tongue cancer management usually includes various expert-recommended treatments. The treatment plan is curated based on factors such as the cancer’s location and its growth speed. Other factors to consider before treatment include whether the mutation has spread to other body parts and the individual’s overall health and age. These include: