Tongue cancer, Knowing and Dealing With It

Tongue cancer, a rare but very lethal cancer. It is one of the most painful diseases for patients, especially because it causes difficulty in eating. However, if you know and deal with it, you can fully treat it, and you can prevent it again. Let's look at what tongue cancer is, its causes and symptoms, and how to diagnose, treat, and prevent it.

 

 

1. What is tongue cancer?

Tongue cancer, also known as oral tongue cancer, is a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the tissues of the tongue. It is a relatively rare form of cancer, accounting for about 3% of all head and neck cancers, but it is considered to be one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of oral cancer.

 

 

2. Cause

Tongue cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the tongue. The exact cause of tongue cancer is not well understood, but risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, a history of oral cancer, and certain genetic mutations.

 

3. Symptoms

Symptoms of tongue cancer can include a persistent sore or lump on the tongue, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and changes in the way the tongue looks or feels. These symptoms may be accompanied by pain or numbness in the tongue or jaw, and can also cause swelling or stiffness in the tongue.

 

4. diagnosis

Diagnosis of tongue cancer typically involves a physical examination of the tongue and surrounding areas, as well as imaging tests such as x-ray, CT scan, or MRI. A biopsy may also be performed to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.

 

5. Treatment

Treatment for tongue cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The type of treatment will depend on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. Surgery may involve the removal of part or all of the tongue, and reconstruction may be necessary to restore function and appearance. Radiation therapy may also be used to shrink or eliminate the cancerous cells and chemotherapy may be used to kill remaining cancerous cells.

 

6. Prevention

Prevention of tongue cancer is largely focused on reducing risk factors, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. Regular dental check-ups and oral cancer screenings are also important in detecting tongue cancer early, when it is most treatable.

 

 

In conclusion, tongue cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the tissues of the tongue, it's a rare but aggressive and deadly form of oral cancer. The exact cause of tongue cancer is not well understood, but it is associated with risk factors such as tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption. Symptoms can include a persistent sore or lump on the tongue, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and changes in the way the tongue looks or feels. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Prevention of tongue cancer is focused on reducing risk factors and regular screening.