Tongue cancer is uncommon, but it’s worth being alert to the signs. If caught and treated early, it can almost always be cured. However, as this type of cancer is often asymptomatic, it’s not always easy to spot. Without routine inspection, early signs may go undetected and result in more advanced disease at diagnosis. Early detection is therefore key. It can occur anywhere on the tongue – or even the frenulum (the tissue under your tongue that connects it to the floor of your mouth). The roof of the mouth (called the soft palate), and the tip of the tongue are common sites for secondary tumours arising from another location on the tongue. Look out for symptoms of tongue cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common type of tongue cancer. It’s also one of the easiest to diagnose and treat – making early diagnosis crucial. The vast majority of SCCs occur in people with a history of heavy smoking. However, there’s also a link between this type of cancer, and the HPV virus. The cancer forms as a hard, white nodule on the tongue’s surface. It may also cause the tongue to swell. SCC can also affect the roof of the mouth, and the root of the tongue. Do go for dental checkups as it can help you identify symptoms of tongue cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) occurs in around a quarter of tongue cancers. It usually appears as a tiny, shiny, translucent ‘strawberry-like bump. BCC often occurs in people who have had excessive sun exposure to the face and neck. This type of cancer may also occur in other areas of the mouth, particularly the gums, where it can look more like a reddened patch. BCC tends to be slow-growing and sometimes, can be treated with topical creams. However, it’s also known to be locally invasive, meaning it can spread to other areas of the mouth or face.
Melanoma of the tongue
This is a very rare form of tongue cancer, which is often misdiagnosed as SCC. It’s linked to excessive sun exposure, but is uncommon in non-Caucasian populations. Melanoma can be very difficult to spot because it can appear as a normal-looking lesion on the tongue – before progressing to a more obvious growth. The most common warning sign is that the lesion doesn’t go away, or recurs after surgery.
Other Oral Cancer symptoms to be aware of
If the cancer is in an early, superficial stage, it may not cause any symptoms. However, if it progresses, it can cause a range of problems. These include:
- Pain in the mouth, particularly when eating or drinking hot liquids
- Swelling of the tongue
- Any lumps or ulcerations in the mouth that don’t heal after a few weeks
- Migratory lumps or ulcerations in the mouth
- A change in the texture of the tongue
- A change in the taste of the saliva
Conclusion
Tongue cancer is a very treatable condition, provided it’s spotted early enough. It’s therefore crucial to be aware of the warning signs, and to visit your dentist or doctor if you notice anything unusual. It’s also worth asking your dentist if they can visually inspect your tongue during your regular cleanings, as they may be able to spot any abnormalities earlier. Look out for symptoms of tongue cancer.
