Tongue Cancer

What Is Tongue Cancer?

Tongue cancer is a malignant transformation of the mucosal cells of the tongue., which means that these cells multiply uncontrollably and damage other, healthy tissue.

Tongue cancer can develop in the front, visible part of the tongue, or at the base of the tongue, which can only be seen in a mirror. Tongue cancer is quite rare and mainly affects older people with risk factors.

Causes and Risk Factors

Risk factors for the development of tongue cancer include, above all, tobacco consumption and (excessive) drinking of alcoholic (especially high-proof) beverages.

Other favoring factors are chronic inflammations in the oral cavity, lack of oral hygiene, and the presence of so-called high-risk HP viruses (by the way, these human papillomaviruses are also responsible for cervical cancers).

It is important to note that the abovementioned factors are not mandatory causes of cancer but merely increase the risk of developing the disease. Therefore, genetic susceptibility can also be assumed.

How Is Tongue Cancer Noticed?

Tongue cancer can remain relatively asymptomatic or unnoticed for a long time. Possible conspicuous symptoms are prolonged pain in the tongue/throat area, a foreign body sensation, difficulty swallowing, new onset of bad breath, or even prolonged presence of reddish or white coatings on the tongue, which may also bleed easily.

In the later stages of such a disease, general symptoms such as fatigue, sweating, or unwanted weight loss may also occur. It is also possible that tongue cancer will be noticed during a visit to the dentist, during which the dentist closely examines the mouth area.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis can be made by an ENT- doctor examining the tongue (using a mirror, among other things) and taking a small sample from a suspicious area. This is then examined under the microscope.

In addition, an imaging procedure is used in the course to assess the extent of the spread better. Various methods can be used here (e.g., sonography (ultrasound), computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). This allows a reliable diagnosis and the appropriate therapy to be initiated.

Tongue Cancer Therapy

The primary therapy is the surgical removal of the affected area. In the case of extensive spread, radiation and chemotherapy may also be necessary. In addition, harmful substances should always be avoided (tobacco and alcohol).

Rehab, Chances of Cure, and Prognosis

As with other cancers, the prognosis depends on the spread of the carcinoma. If there are metastases in the lymph nodes of the neck or other parts of the body, the prognosis is much worse.

Otherwise, cancer can be completely removed during surgery. In this case, reconstruction of the tongue may be necessary. If this is the case, rehabilitation is often required after surgery to practice procedures such as speaking and swallowing.

Which Doctor Is a Specialist for Tongue Cancer?

An ear, nose, and throat doctor is the primary contact for tongue diseases, and he can also initiate the appropriate treatment for tongue cancer.

We will help you find an expert for your disease. All listed doctors and clinics have been reviewed by us for their outstanding specialization in tongue cancer and are awaiting your inquiry or treatment request.

Sources:

• flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Zungenkarzinom
• www.gesundheit.gv.at/krankheiten/krebs/hno/zungenkrebs