Tongue Cancer Symptoms: What You Need to Know By Dr. Prem Kishore Jangid, MBBS, MS, MCh (Cancer Surgeon)

Tongue cancer is a serious condition that requires early detection for successful treatment. As a cancer surgeon, I often emphasize that awareness is key. Recognizing the symptoms of tongue cancer in its early stages can significantly improve outcomes for patients. In this blog, I will discuss the signs and symptoms of tongue cancer, who is at risk, and why timely consultation is crucial.

### What is Tongue Cancer?

Tongue cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells on the tongue, typically in the flat, thin cells lining its surface. It can occur on the oral tongue (the part you can move) or the base of the tongue (near the throat). Both areas can develop squamous cell carcinoma, the most common form of tongue cancer.

### Early Signs of Tongue Cancer

Tongue cancer can be difficult to spot at first because the symptoms might resemble less serious conditions, such as mouth ulcers or infections. However, persistent symptoms should not be ignored. Here are some of the key early warning signs:

#### 1. Sores or Ulcers that Don’t Heal

The most common symptom of tongue cancer is a sore or ulcer on the tongue that doesn't heal after a couple of weeks. Unlike a common canker sore, this lesion is usually painful and may bleed. If you notice a persistent sore on your tongue, it’s essential to seek medical advice.

#### 2. Persistent Tongue Pain

Tongue pain that lasts for weeks can be an indicator of something more serious. Often, it may feel like a dull ache or a sharp stabbing sensation, particularly when eating or speaking. Pain that doesn’t go away or worsens over time should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

#### 3. White or Red Patches

Patches of discoloration on the tongue can be an early sign of cancer. These may appear as white patches (leukoplakia) or red patches (erythroplakia). Though not always cancerous, any abnormal changes in the color of your tongue should be examined, as these patches can evolve into malignant cells.

#### 4. Lump or Thickening of the Tongue

If you feel a lump or notice an area of thickening on your tongue, it’s important to get it checked. These changes may feel uncomfortable or foreign, especially when swallowing or speaking. Cancerous tumors often cause a firm mass or thickening that can interfere with normal tongue movement.

#### 5. Difficulty Swallowing or Speaking

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or a sensation of food being stuck in your throat can sometimes be a symptom of tongue cancer, especially if the cancer is located near the base of the tongue. Similarly, any changes in speech, such as slurring or trouble articulating certain words, may indicate tongue involvement.

#### 6. Numbness or Tingling

Unexplained numbness or tingling in the mouth or tongue can be a sign of nerve involvement, which may occur in advanced stages of tongue cancer. If you experience persistent numbness that doesn’t resolve on its own, seek medical attention promptly.

#### 7. Unexplained Bleeding

Bleeding from the tongue, especially without obvious trauma, can also be a warning sign. Cancerous lesions may bleed spontaneously, and this symptom should not be ignored.

### Advanced Symptoms

As tongue cancer progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, including:

- Ear Pain: Some patients experience pain in the ears as the tumor affects nearby nerves.

- Weight Loss: Difficulty eating due to pain or swallowing issues can lead to unexplained weight loss.

- Chronic Bad Breath: Persistent foul odor in the mouth, despite good oral hygiene, may indicate infection or advanced cancer.

### Who is at Risk?

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing tongue cancer. The most significant include:

- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco products increases the risk of developing tongue cancer.

- Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can damage the tissues of the tongue, making it more vulnerable to cancer.

- HPV Infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been linked to an increased risk of cancers in the throat and base of the tongue.

- Age and Gender: Men, particularly those over the age of 40, are more prone to developing tongue cancer.

### Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of tongue cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes. If caught early, localized treatments like surgery or radiation may be sufficient to remove the cancerous cells. However, as the disease progresses, more aggressive treatment like chemotherapy may be required. That’s why paying attention to the symptoms and seeking professional advice at the earliest sign of trouble is so important.

### When to See a Doctor

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above for more than two weeks, it’s time to schedule a consultation. While not every mouth sore or spot is cancer, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Early diagnosis can make all the difference in your treatment plan and overall prognosis.

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### Conclusion

Tongue cancer may present subtle signs initially, but being aware of the symptoms and acting quickly can save lives. As a cancer surgeon, I have seen first-hand the impact of early detection and intervention. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a medical professional.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, feel free to contact me at +91 8077 981 628. Together, we can fight cancer with knowledge, care, and timely action.

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Dr. Prem Kishore Jangid is a highly experienced cancer surgeon specializing in the treatment of various cancers, including tongue cancer. With advanced qualifications in oncology surgery (MBBS, MS, MCh), Dr. Jangid is committed to providing expert care and guidance to his patients.