How does tongue cancer develop and what are the symptoms?

The formation of tongue cancer is closely related to genetics, oral environment, physical health and bad habits. Its main symptoms include tongue ulcers that do not heal, foreign body sensation on the tongue, pain or limited mobility. If you find related symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. This article will analyze the causes of tongue cancer in depth and list the early symptoms and suggestions.

1. Causes of tongue cancer

1. Genetic factors

If someone in your family has cancer, especially head and neck malignancies, your risk of developing tongue cancer will increase. This may be related to gene mutations in the family or individual genetic susceptibility.

2. Environmental factors (external stimuli)

Long-term smoking, drinking or chewing betel nut are high-risk behaviors that induce tongue cancer. Harmful substances in tobacco and alcohol can directly irritate the tongue mucosa, leading to abnormal cell proliferation. Long-term consumption of hot or spicy food may also increase damage to tongue tissue, thereby increasing the risk of cancer.

3. Physiological factors (one’s own health condition)

Chronic inflammation of the tongue, leukoplakia or lichen planus, if not treated in time, may deteriorate into tongue cancer. In particular, poor oral hygiene or low immunity can also aggravate the progression of these lesions.

4. Trauma (long-term local irritation)

Long-term friction from ill-fitting dentures, sharp teeth or dental restorations may cause repeated trauma to the tongue mucosa, which may induce cancer over time.

5. Viral infection (pathological cause)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may be related to the occurrence of tongue cancer, especially HPV types 16 and 18. These high-risk viruses may cause cancerous changes in tongue cells.

2. The main symptoms of tongue cancer

1. Tongue ulcers that do not heal after long-term treatment

In the early stages of tongue cancer, abnormal ulcers are often seen on the tongue, which are usually rough in surface, with irregular borders and a tendency to bleed. If there is no improvement after taking medication, you should be highly alert.

2. Pain and foreign body sensation

Some patients may feel a foreign body sensation on their tongue or in their mouth, which then gradually develops into tingling or constant pain when eating or talking. This pain may sometimes radiate to the ears or jaws, which is an important warning sign.

3. Limited tongue movement

Patients with tongue cancer may experience tongue stiffness or limited movement, which may affect normal swallowing, pronunciation or chewing functions in severe cases. Local swelling and numbness of the tongue are also common manifestations.

4. Tongue lumps

A lump or bump with an unusual texture may appear on the tongue, which is noticeably different from the surrounding normal tissue. This lump may increase in size as the cancer develops.

3. Measures to deal with tongue cancer

1. Surgery

In the early stage of tongue cancer, tongue tumor resection is often performed, and the prognosis is better for localized tongue cancer. In the advanced stage, partial tongue resection or neck lymph node dissection may be required, and the surgery depends on the size of the tumor and the extent of invasion.

2. Radiation therapy

It is suitable for local lesions of tongue cancer. Radiotherapy can be used as the main or auxiliary treatment for patients who are not suitable for surgery or have residual cancer cells after surgery.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is often used for patients with advanced tongue cancer, especially when the cancer has metastasized. Combining drugs such as cisplatin and fluorouracil may improve treatment outcomes.

4. Diet and lifestyle management

Balanced nutrition, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding irritating foods are important measures to prevent the recurrence of tongue cancer. Attention should be paid to oral hygiene and regular checkups should be performed to increase the probability of early detection.

Discovering the causes and symptoms of tongue cancer can significantly increase the early screening rate and help with timely intervention. If abnormal tongue ulcers or other symptoms occur, you should consult a dentist or oncologist as soon as possible to get the best treatment opportunity and ensure the effect.