Signs and Indicators of Tongue Malignancy

Tongue cancer originates from the cells within the tongue tissue. When it appears on the anterior part of the tongue, it’s termed "oral tongue cancer," whereas tumors at the base are known as "oropharyngeal cancer." The predominant form is squamous cell carcinoma, categorized based on stages and severity. The stage indicates the extent of spread, with classifications as follows:

T Represents tumor size; T1 is small, T4 is large.

N Denotes involvement of neck lymph nodes; N0 indicates no spread, N3 suggests extensive spread.

M Indicates whether there are distant metastases to other body regions.

The grading system assesses how aggressive the cancer is and its likelihood to disseminate. Tumors are classified as slow-growing, moderate, or highly invasive.

Early warnings of tongue cancer include:

Persistent soreness or discomfort in the tongue or jaw

Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw

A lump or swelling in the mouth

White or red patches on the tongue, gums, or oral mucosa

Sore throat or a feeling of something stuck in the throat

Pain during swallowing or chewing

It’s important to note that these symptoms can resemble other oral health issues. Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper identification of tongue cancer.

Common treatment options include:

Surgical removal: Depending on the symptoms and tumor size, surgery may be performed to excise the malignancy.

Radiation therapy: Uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

Targeted medications: Tailored drug therapies are often combined with radiation or chemotherapy to combat the disease.

Chemotherapy: Involves anticancer drugs to eliminate cancer cells, especially if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes.