Tongue cancer starts in cells of the tongue. Cancer cells grow out of control and form a tumor. They can invade and damage nearby tissue. Tongue cancer happens most often in squamous or surface cells. It may be seen as a patch or lump in the tongue.
Cancer occurs when cells grow and develop without control or order. It is not clear exactly what causes these cells to develop. A combination of genetics and environment probably play a role.
Tongue cancer is more common in men. It can happen at any age but is most common in people aged 40 years and older. Other factors that may increase your chances of tongue cancer include:
Tongue cancer may cause:
Changes may start in a part of the tongue that sits in the mouth or in the throat. Cancer that starts in the mouth may be easier to see. This may lead to an earlier diagnosis than those that develop in areas further back in the throat. In late stages, cancer can spread to other areas of the body.
Tongue cancer may first be spotted during a routine dental visit. The doctor may also see it in a physical exam.
The doctor may ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. A scope may be used to see areas further down the throat. A sample of the area may be removed for testing. The test, called a biopsy, will confirm if cancer is present.
Images may need to be taken to see where tumors are. This can be done with:
The care team will use lab tests and images to determine the specific type and stage of cancer you have. Staging is used to guide your treatment plan. Like other cancers, tongue cancer is staged from I-IV. Stage I cancer has not spread far. The higher the stage the further the cancer has spread. Stage IV cancer has spread to other parts of the body
Tongue cancer treatment may include one or more of the following:
Exact treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer and overall health.
Reconstructive surgery may be needed if large areas were removed. Therapy will also help to regain movement for speech and swallowing.
To help reduce your chance of tongue cancer:
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
BC Cancer Agency
Canadian Cancer Society
Head and neck cancer. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/head-and-neck-cancer. Updated March 5, 2019. Accessed August 26, 2019.
Head and neck cancer—for patients. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck. Accessed August 26, 2019.
Tongue cancer. Cancer Research UK website. Available at: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mouth-cancer/stages-types-grades/tongue-cancer. Updated July 18, 2018. Accessed August 26, 2019.
Last reviewed August 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
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.