Tongue Cancer – Symptoms and Causes

Understanding Tongue Cancer

Tongue cancer develops when cells grow abnormally in tongue tissues. The tongue is a muscular organ extending from the throat into the mouth. It has important roles in speech, eating, swallowing, and taste.

There are two main categories of tongue cancer based on location. Oral tongue cancer affects the front portion in the mouth.

This type often causes noticeable symptoms early. It can be spotted during routine dental or medical exams since this area is easily visible.

Oropharyngeal tongue cancer occurs in the throat portion of the tongue. This form is harder to detect early because it’s less visible during examinations.

Symptoms may be vague and similar to common conditions like sore throat or ear pain. Often, this cancer is discovered only after it has spread to neck lymph nodes.

Most tongue cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, developing from the flat cells covering the tongue’s surface. Treatment plans depend on several factors:

• Cancer cell type
• Location of the tumor
• Size of the cancer growth
• Stage of disease

Common treatment approaches include:

1. Surgery to remove the tumor
2. Radiation therapy
3. Chemotherapy in some cases
4. Targeted therapy options

Persistent symptoms like sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or ear pain should be evaluated by healthcare providers. This is especially true when they don’t respond to usual treatments.

The tongue’s complex functions in daily life mean that treatment aims to preserve as much function as possible while effectively addressing the cancer.

Signs of Tongue Cancer

Tongue cancer may not show early signs. Sometimes doctors find it during routine mouth exams.

For cancer in the front part of the tongue, people often notice a sore that doesn’t heal. You might also feel pain in your mouth, see bleeding, or feel a lump on your tongue.

When cancer affects the back of the tongue, swollen neck lymph nodes may be the first sign. Other symptoms can include coughing up blood, losing weight without trying, and pain in your ears.

You might also notice a lump in your mouth, throat, or neck.

Watch for these warning signs:

• Red or white patches on your tongue or inside your mouth
• Persistent sore throat
• Feeling like something is stuck in your throat
• Tongue or mouth numbness
• Pain or trouble when chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue
• Jaw swelling
• Changes in your voice

When to See a Doctor

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor or dentist right away. Don’t ignore mouth problems that last more than two weeks, especially if you use tobacco or drink alcohol regularly.

Causes

Tongue cancer begins when healthy cells in the tongue undergo DNA changes. These alterations instruct cells to grow uncontrollably and avoid natural death. This process creates excess cells that form tumors. Eventually, these cells may spread to other body parts.

Scientists don’t always know exactly what triggers these DNA changes. Some tongue cancers located in the throat area are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV). This common virus spreads through sexual contact.

Throat-based tongue cancers caused by HPV typically respond more favorably to treatment than non-HPV related cases.

Risk factors that may contribute to tongue cancer include:

• Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Poor oral hygiene
• Family history of cancer

The relationship between these factors and DNA changes isn’t always straightforward. Some people develop tongue cancer despite having few risk factors, while others with multiple risk factors never develop the disease.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise a person’s chances of developing tongue cancer:

• Tobacco Use: All forms of tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco) significantly increase risk. This is the largest known risk factor.
• Alcohol Consumption: Regular heavy drinking raises tongue cancer risk. When combined with tobacco use, the risk becomes even higher.
• HPV Exposure: Human papillomavirus infection has been linked to increasing rates of tongue cancer, especially cancers in the throat area.
• Gender: Men face higher risk than women, partly due to historically higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use.
• Age: People over 45 have increased risk, typically resulting from longer exposure to risk factors like tobacco and alcohol.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate dental care contributes to risk, especially when combined with alcohol and tobacco use.
• Weakened Immune System: Conditions that suppress immunity (transplant medications, HIV infection) may increase vulnerability to tongue cancer.

Prevention

Reducing your risk of tongue cancer involves several key steps. These actions can help protect your health.

• Avoid tobacco products. Don’t use tobacco. If you currently use tobacco in any form, speak with healthcare professionals about quitting strategies.
• Drink alcohol responsibly. If you choose to consume alcohol, do so in moderation. Healthy guidelines suggest limiting intake to one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men.
• Consider HPV vaccination. HPV vaccines may lower your risk of developing HPV-related tongue cancer. Discuss with your healthcare provider whether this vaccination is suitable for you.
• Maintain regular checkups. Schedule routine dental and health examinations. During these visits, healthcare professionals can examine your mouth for early signs of cancer or precancerous conditions.
  • Warning signs to watch for:
    • Persistent mouth sores
    • White or red patches inside the mouth
    • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
    • Numbness in the mouth
    • Unexplained mouth pain

Early detection through regular screenings remains one of the most effective prevention strategies.