Tongue cancer is a subgroup of head and neck cancer. Cancer develops from the squamous cells of the tongue. This leads to a local tumor growth, and it later spreads.
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.
The exact cause of tongue cancer is unknown. However, the following lifestyle factors may be related:
These factors increase your chance of developing tongue cancer. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to tongue cancer. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
Tongue cancer may be detected by your dentist during a routine dental cleaning, or by your doctor during a routine physical exam.
To confirm diagnosis, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. This may include:
Once tongue cancer is found, staging tests are done to find out if the cancer has spread. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, as well as the size and location of the tumor.
This is surgical removal of the cancerous tumor and nearby tissue, and possibly nearby lymph nodes. This is often the preferred 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.
This is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This method is used when the cancer is at the back of the tongue.
Chemotherapy is sometimes used with radiation to destroy the cancerous growth, especially if surgery is not planned.
After treatment, your doctor may recommend:
To help reduce your chance of getting tongue cancer, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
CancerNet, National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
BC Cancer Agency
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
References:
Oral cancer. CancerNet, National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/oral . Accessed July 2, 2008.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Mohei Abouzied, MD
Please 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.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.