While there is no known cause for tongue cancer, the condition is often the result of poor oral hygiene, or thickened white patches on the tongue. In addition to smoking, alcoholism, and cirrhosis of the liver, tongue cancer is statistically associated with syphilis. Additionally, irritation from ill-fitting dentures, jagged teeth, and projecting fillings may also lead to the development of tongue cancer. Lastly, a genetic predisposition to the development of malignancies is a risk factor, though tongue cancer is rare in women younger than 40.
In recent years, however, studies have shown that rates of oral tongue cancer (OCPC) have increased in both black and white women, indicating a strong association between age and HPV. For this reason, OCPC has been classified separately from MF IRRs, which may be more accurate. But the current study still needs to determine a definitive cause of OCPC. If a genetic test has no positive result, tongue cancer is considered to be a complication of HPV infection.
Mouth cancer is a life-threatening condition that can be cured if caught early. Treatment depends on its stage and its severity, but early detection is critical for maximizing chances of cure. Thankfully, treatment is relatively easy. If detected early, most forms of mouth cancer can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation. The early signs are so gross that they can even prompt the person to visit a dentist. For other symptoms, mouth cancer may be accompanied by sores on the roof of the mouth.
A doctor can also perform a CAT scan to check for tumors in the mouth. During this procedure, thin sections of the mouth and throat are scanned. Any abnormalities will be noted as mouth cancer symptoms. A biopsy is a final diagnostic procedure that gathers a sample of the suspicious tissue and examines it under a microscope. A biopsy may be performed using two techniques: fine needle aspiration biopsy or incisional biopsy.
A stage-specific survival rate depends on the depth of invasion of the tongue tumor. If it is caught early, tongue tumors are usually asymptomatic. However, they can cause symptoms such as pain in the tongue, changes in voice tone, and difficulty swallowing. If it spreads to the neck, a lymph nodeectomy may be required. Treatment options for tongue cancer depend on the stage of the disease and the extent of lymphatic invasion.
Treatment of tongue cancer should include interprofessional care. In addition to traditional medical treatments, complementary therapies are available for those who are suffering from the disease. These treatments are sometimes called alternative therapies and are not meant to replace the treatment provided by your doctor. If you are taking supplements or homeopathic remedies, you should inform your doctor about their use, since they may interact with the medicine prescribed for you. A patient should also consult a psychologist if you are taking any type of medication.
The best way to determine whether tongue cancer is your condition is by examining your mouth. An oral cancer specialist in Montreal can evaluate your mouth to find out the condition. An oral cancer specialist can diagnose tongue cancer by looking at the condition of the mouth and lymph nodes. Once diagnosed, a doctor can tell if you have any symptoms, and offer treatment. And if you do have the disease, the sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can recover.
