by Michelle Badash, MS
En Espaol (Spanish Version) Tongue cancer is a subgroup of head and neck cancer. In this disease, cancer develops from the squamous cells of the tongue leading to local tumor growth, and later metastatic spread.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case, tongue cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor usually does not invade or spread.
Tongue cancer is often grouped with other mouth cancers, such as cancer of the lips, hard palate, cheek lining, floor of the mouth (portion of the mouth underneath the front of the tongue), or gums. These cancers are collectively known as oral cavity cancer.
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The exact cause of tongue cancer is unknown. However, the following lifestyle factors may be related:
- Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe
- Use of chewing tobacco, snuff, or other tobacco products
- Heavy alcohol consumption
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include: Sex: malePoor oral and dental hygieneAge: 40 and overIrritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth due to smoking and drinkingHistory of mouth ulcersFamily history due to genetic predisposition Symptoms Symptoms of tongue cancer may include: Skin lesion, lump, or ulcer on the tongueDifficulty swallowingMouth sores and mouth painNumbness or difficulty moving the tongueChange in speech (due to inability to move the tongue over the teeth when speaking)Pain with chewing and speakingBleeding from the tongue DiagnosisTongue cancer may be detected by your dentist during a routine dental cleaning, or by your doctor during a routine physical exam. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. This may include: Examination of your tongue for lumps or massesUse of a fiberoptic scopea thin tube with a tiny camerato examine the base of the tongue A tongue biopsy removal of a sample of tongue tissue to test for cancer cells CT scan a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the mouth Chest x-ray to determine if the cancer has spread to the lungs TreatmentOnce tongue cancer is found, staging tests are performed to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, as well as the size and location of the tumor. Treatment may include:
SurgeryThis is surgical removal of the cancerous tumor and nearby tissue, and possibly nearby lymph nodes. This is often the preferred method of treatment when the tumor is on the visible side of the tongue, when it is quite small (less than 2 cm), and when it is lateralized to one side and does not involve the base of the tongue. Radiation Therapy (or Radiotherapy) This is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This method is often used when the cancer is located at the back of the tongue. To cure cancer of the oral tongue with radiation, the patient must have both external beam and a brachytherapy implant. External beam therapy is not enough. Sometimes, chemotherapy is added to radiation, especially when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. ChemotherapyChemotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with radiation to destroy the cancerous growth, especially if surgery is not planned. Rehabilitation and Follow-Up After treatment, your doctor may recommend the following: Therapy to improve tongue movement, chewing, and swallowingSpeech therapy, if use of the tongue is affectedClose monitoring of your mouth, throat, esophagus, and lungs for signs of cancer recurrence or spread Prevention To help prevent tongue cancer:
Don't smoke or use tobacco products. If you do smoke or use tobacco products, get help to quit.Avoid heavy alcohol consumption.See your doctor regularly for check-ups and cancer screening exams. RESOURCES: American Cancer Societyhttp://www.cancer.org CancerNet, National Cancer Institutehttp://www.cancer.gov/cancer_information CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Cancer Societyhttp://www.cancer.ca References: CancerNet, National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancer_information . Last reviewed October 2007 by Igor Puzanov, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
