Tongue Cancer

Tongue cancer mostly affects the squamous cells that line the tongue. These cells are split into the oral tongue (the front two-thirds) and the oropharynx (the base). It's a common head and neck cancer, especially in men over 50 and South Asians who chew betel nuts. Finding cancer early increases the chances of survival since it spreads to lymph nodes in more advanced cases.
Major risks include smoking or chewing tobacco, drinking too much alcohol, and getting HPV (particularly HPV-16 for base tumours). Poor dental hygiene, betel quid, and genetic factors all play a role. Using both tobacco and alcohol together increases the risk by up to 15 times. Mutations in the DNA of tongue cells lead to their uncontrollable growth and transformation into tumours.

Signs and symptoms

Red or white patches, tongue sores or ulcers that don't heal and bleed readily, and pain or burning that doesn't go away are all common indicators. Other signs include numbness, trouble swallowing or chewing, enlargement of the jaw, changes in voice, a painful throat, or lumps in the neck. Dysphagia or ear pain are common late signs of base-of-tongue cancer.

Diagnosis and Staging

The first step in diagnosis is an oral exam, and the second step is a biopsy that shows squamous cell carcinoma. Imaging (CT/MRI/PET) looks at how far the cancer has progressed, and TNM staging goes from I (localised <2cm) to IV (metastatic).
Ways to Treat

Surgery (glossectomy) or radiation is the best treatment for early-stage instances. For more advanced cases, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are all used. Targeted medicines such as cetuximab and immunotherapy effectively combat HPV-caused tumours. Speech and swallowing therapy after treatment helps with recovery. Early detection of the disease can lead to a five-year survival rate of 80 to 90%.