Tongue Cancer
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Tongue Cancer Doctor in Kolkata
Tongue cancer is a type of oral cancer that develops in the tissues of the tongue, and it can manifest in different forms, including squamous cell carcinoma, which is the most common type. It occurs when cells on the tongue begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. The cancer specialist provides tongue cancer treatment in Kolkata. Consult him for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Symptoms of Tongue Cancer
Symptoms of tongue cancer may include:
- A persistent red or white patch on the tongue
- A sore throat that does not heal
- A sore or lump on the tongue that does not go away
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Persistent numbness in the mouth
- Pain or a burning sensation on the tongue
- Trouble moving the tongue or speaking
- A lump in the neck
- Unexplained bleeding from the tongue (not due to biting or injury)
- Pain or hearing loss in one ear
- Unintended weight loss
Contact the tongue oncologist in Kolkata if you notice any of these symptoms.
Causes of Tongue Cancer
The most common risk factors for tongue cancer include:
Tobacco use
Tobacco is a major risk factor for tongue cancer. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff.
Alcohol consumption
Frequent and heavy alcohol use raises the risk of tongue cancer. The combined use of alcohol and tobacco further increases this risk.
HPV exposure
In recent years, tongue cancer in the throat has become more common in individuals exposed to certain strains of HPV.
Other contributing factors include:
Being male
Men are more likely to develop tongue cancer than women, possibly due to higher tobacco and alcohol use.
Age
People over 45 are at greater risk, often due to long-term tobacco and alcohol use.
Poor oral hygiene
Inadequate dental care can increase the risk of tongue cancer, especially in individuals who also use tobacco or alcohol.
Weakened immune system
A compromised immune system, whether due to medications (such as those taken after an organ transplant) or illnesses like HIV, can increase the risk.
Types of Tongue Cancer
Tongue cancer is categorised into two types based on its location:
- Oral tongue cancer: This type occurs in the front two-thirds of the tongue.
- Oropharyngeal tongue cancer: This type forms at the base of the tongue, in the back of the mouth and can extend into the throat.
Regardless of location, tongue cancer begins in the thin, flat squamous cells that cover the tongue’s surface. As a result, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form, accounting for about 90% of cases. While extremely rare, there have been isolated instances of lymphoma and sarcoma developing in the tongue.
Even though both oral and oropharyngeal cancers are usually squamous cell carcinomas, pinpointing the cancer’s exact origin is essential. This is because treatment strategies may vary depending on where the abnormal cells first developed.
Stages of Tongue Cancer
Cancer staging describes the size, location, and whether it has spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body. For tongue cancer, staging also assesses the depth of the cancer. The two most common staging systems for tongue cancer are the TNM staging system and the number staging system:
TNM Staging System of Tongue Cancer
T stands for tumour and indicates the size and extent of growth in surrounding areas. Tumours are numbered from 0 to 4:
- T0: No tumour is present, but abnormal precancerous cells may be detected.
- T1: Tumours are less than 2 cm in size and under 5 mm deep, confined to the tongue.
- T2: Tumours may be smaller than 2 cm but deeper than 5 mm (up to 10 mm)r larger than 2 cm but no bigger than 4 cm, with a depth of less than 10 mm.
- T3: Tumours may be larger than 2 cm but not over 4 cm, with a depth greater than 10 mm or larger than 4 cm but not deeper than 10 mm.
- T4: Tumours are larger than 4 cm and deeper than 10 mm, or may have spread to nearby structures like muscles or bones.
N refers to the involvement of lymph nodes:
- N0: No lymph nodes are affected.
- N1, N2, N3: Cancer cells are present in the lymph nodes, with the number depending on how many nodes are involved, their size, and location.
M indicates whether the cancer has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body:
- M0: The cancer has not spread.
- M1: The cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the lungs or liver.
TNM Staging System of Tongue Cancer
The number staging system is less commonly used but consists of 3 or 4 stages for each type of cancer. The doctor can explain the specific stage of your cancer according to this system. Reach out to the doctor for accurate staging of your cancer and receiving appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis of Tongue Cancer
Tongue cancer is often detected during a routine dental checkup. Various tests and procedures are used to diagnose tongue cancer, with the most suitable approach depending on your medical history and symptoms.
Common diagnostic methods include:
Physical examination of the mouth and throat
The doctor will examine the mouth, throat, and neck for any lumps or abnormalities on the tongue and check for swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Endoscopy
This test uses a thin tube equipped with a light and camera, inserted through the nose and passed down to the throat. It helps detect signs of tongue cancer in the mouth and throat and can also check if the cancer has spread to other areas, such as the voice box.
Biopsy
A biopsy involves removing a tissue sample from the tongue for testing. Different types of biopsies may be performed, such as surgically removing a portion of suspicious tissue or using a thin needle to extract cells from the affected area. The sample is then tested in a lab to determine if the cells are cancerous and to identify other characteristics, such as the presence of HPV.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests provide detailed pictures of the body to show the size and location of the cancer. These may include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans. Ultrasound imaging, which uses sound waves to create pictures, may be used to assess whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck.
Treatments of Tongue Cancer
Treatment for tongue cancer varies based on the stage of the disease, the location of the tumour, and the overall health of the patient. The doctor specialises in the following treatments for tongue cancer.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells. During treatment, a machine targets these energy beams at specific areas of the body where cancer is present.
Radiation therapy may be the primary treatment for tongue cancer. In some cases, radiation therapy is combined with chemotherapy to treat other affected areas, such as the lymph nodes, if the cancer has spread.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful medications to kill cancer cells. It may be administered to control the growth of cancer. Chemotherapy is sometimes combined with radiation therapy, as it can enhance the effectiveness of the radiation.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy involves medications that specifically attack certain chemicals in cancer cells. By blocking these chemicals, targeted therapy can cause cancer cells to die. This treatment is often used for tongue cancer that has returned or spread to other areas.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. Normally, cancer cells evade the immune system, but immunotherapy boosts the immune response to target and kill these cells. It is usually used for advanced tongue cancer when other treatments are no longer effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is early-stage tongue cancer curable?
Yes, early-stage tongue cancer is highly treatable, especially if detected early. Treatments include radiation or a combination of therapies.
Are smokers more likely to have aggressive tongue cancer?
Yes, tongue cancer from smoking can be more aggressive and may spread faster compared to non-smokers.
How is tongue cancer managed after diagnosis?
Management of tongue cancer after diagnosis may involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these, depending on the stage of the cancer.
What is the TNM staging system for tongue cancer?
The TNM system classifies tongue cancer based on tumour size (T), lymph node involvement (N), and whether it has metastasized to other parts of the body (M).
What lifestyle changes are recommended for managing tongue cancer?
Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining good oral hygiene, and following a healthy diet are essential for managing tongue cancer.
Can tongue cancer recur after treatment?
Yes, tongue cancer can recur, but regular follow-ups with the doctor and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help detect and manage any recurrence early.