Tongue cancer most commonly occurs in people aged 50-60. It is a malignant disease, and because the tongue has many blood vessels, it easily metastasizes to the lymph nodes in the neck and other internal organs.
Individuals at risk for tongue cancer include those with worn, chipped, or misaligned teeth that rub against the tongue, causing damage and chronic inflammation of the tongue. If left uncontrolled, this chronic inflammation can lead to the growth of abnormal cells and develop into cancer. Those with cavities, chronic gum damage, alcohol abuse, smoking, or HPV infection (types 11 and 16) are also at risk.
Early-stage tongue cancer can be completely cured with surgery. In later stages, patients require a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
The disease can be detected early because the tongue is an external organ that is easily observed and felt. In most cases, tongue cancer presents with numbness, discomfort, tingling sensations, pain when eating and drinking, and unusual changes in taste... These symptoms do not appear suddenly, so patients may overlook them.
Other signs include mouth ulcers that last for more than two weeks without healing, causing ulcers on the lips, gums, and tongue. Other symptoms include mouth pain, difficulty chewing and swallowing, bleeding, impaired tongue movement, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and dental or gum abnormalities.
Doctors recommend that everyone seek early treatment for oral lesions and have regular check-ups. Those with chronic inflammation of the tongue margin should have check-ups every six months.
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