When cancerous cells are seen in the front ⅔ of the tongue, it is among the types of cancer referred to as oral cancer. Cancers in the pharyngeal part of the tongue are known as oropharyngeal cancers.
Types of Tongue Cancer
The most common type of tongue cancer is squamous cell cancer. These cells are seen in areas including the tongue, mouth, nose, larynx, throat lining and thyroid. Cancer that starts in these cells is called squamous cell cancer.
Squamous Cell (Epidermoid) Cancer
It is the most common type of cancer not only in tongue cancers but also in neck and head cancers. It is seen in the epithelial layer on the surface of the tongue.
Mucoepidermoid Cancer
It is a type of cancer that occurs in the microscopic salivary glands in the epithelial tissue on the surface of the tongue. In addition to the tongue, this type of cancer can also occur in other organs in the head and neck region. It is also seen in the salivary glands under the chin, in front of the ear and under the tongue.
Adenocystic Cancer
It is seen in areas where mucoepidermoid cancer occurs. The symptom is usually swelling.
Symptoms of Tongue Cancer
Symptoms of tongue cancer include the following:
- Ear pain (rarely seen)
- Unexplained bleeding in the tongue,
- Lump on the neck
- Difficulty moving the tongue,
- Speech difficulties,
- Pain sensation on the tongue,
- Burning sensation on the tongue,
- Pain when swallowing,
- A painful ulcer or lump on the tongue,
- Persistent sore throat,
- A red or white sore on the tongue that does not disappear,
- Hardening of the tongue tissue,
- Strain and pain during mouth opening,
- Enlargement of the glands in the neck area,
- Mass formation in the head and neck region,
- Unexplained weight loss,
- Change in sound,
- Feeling numb in the tongue and mouth area,
Causes of Tongue Cancer
The cause of many head and neck cancers is unknown. However, as with these types of cancer, there are many risk factors that increase the risk of tongue cancer. These are;
- Smoking,
- Drinking alcohol regularly and in large quantities,
- Infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV),
HPV is a viral infection that covers the inside of the body and affects the skin. Since it is usually a self-healing infection, most patients do not realize they have the virus. In addition, this virus, which does not have much effect on human health, can cause tongue cancer in some people.
Tongue cancers are 2 times more common in men than in women. In addition, the most common age is 40 years and older. African-American men constitute the largest risk group.
Another cause of tongue cancers is lack of attention to oral hygiene and dental problems. However, dental prostheses that do not fit properly in the palate also pose a risk factor as they cause the mucosa to erode over time.
How is Tongue Cancer Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose tongue cancer, a physical examination is first performed. In this examination, the inside of the mouth and throat of the patients are checked. This examination also determines whether the lymph nodes are swollen.
Biopsy
The only way to confirm the diagnosis of tongue cancer is to take a biopsy sample. Cancer cells can be detected by examining the sample under a microscope.
Examination Under Anesthesia
In some patients, imaging studies are performed with a panendoscope under general anesthesia to examine the throat. A biopsy sample can also be taken at this stage.
Nasaoendoscopy
A flexible tube is passed through the nose to look into the mouth, throat, back of the mouth and larynx. Since it is an uncomfortable procedure, the throat area of the patients is locally numbed.
Other Diagnostic Methods
- MR,
- CT Scan
- PET CT Scan,
- Blood tests,
- Dental check-up
- Ultrasound scan,
Stages of Tongue Cancer
Determining the stage of tongue cancer indicates how much the cancer has grown and spread. It is important to determine the stage of the cancer so that the right treatment methods can be applied.
The criteria used to determine the stage of cancer are as follows:
- Whether it has spread to any part of the body,
- Whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes,
- How big the cancer has grown,
- Whether it reaches local tissues,
Different staging systems are used in tongue cancer: The reason for the different systems is that the points where the cancer starts differ.
Treatment of Tongue Cancer
The treatment of tongue cancer varies according to the general health status of the patients, the location of the cancer and the stage of the cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used to treat tongue cancer.
Surgery
The only treatment method for tongue cancers diagnosed at an early stage is surgery. These surgeries are usually applied to cancers located in the front part of the tongue. Because cancers located on the back of the tongue are very difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Patients operated at this stage do not have speech and swallowing disorders. Cosmetically, small scars remain.
If advanced tongue cancers are operated on, patients’ ability to speak and swallow is also affected. In addition, if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, the lymph nodes must also be removed. Patients with speech and swallowing problems are then treated with reconstructive techniques to eliminate the problems. Radiation Therapy
Radyasyon Tedavisi
Intensity modulated radiation therapy and radiation therapy are used to stop the proliferation of cancer cells and the growth of the tumor. Radiotherapy also helps to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy produces fewer side effects than conventional radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is usually administered over a period of 5 or 6 weeks.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is prescribed for three different reasons. The first reason is its use in combination with radiotherapy as an alternative to surgery. The second reason is to kill the cancerous cells that remain after surgery. The last reason is to slow down the cancer and reduce its symptoms in incurable cancer types.
