When a person has cancer in the tongue, treatment options vary. Initially, a biopsy may be performed to diagnose the disease. A biopsy is a surgical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the tongue and a sample of tissue is removed. Usually, a local anesthetic is used for the biopsy, although general anesthesia is often required for larger areas. The sample of tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Tongue cancers are generally found in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells on the tongue’s surface. In addition to a biopsy, a doctor may perform a surgical procedure to remove the tumor entirely, a process called a tumor resection. In some cases, this surgical procedure is less invasive than surgery, allowing for a quicker recovery time.
One early symptom of tongue cancer is a white spot on the side of the tongue. This spot is often the first sign of cancer. The disease can spread to other parts of the body and is curable if detected early. If detected early, oral cancers account for two percent to four percent of all cancers in the U.S. But some studies indicate that it has a higher incidence in younger people and in adults under 40.
In cases of early-stage tongue cancer, there are several symptoms that may signal the presence of this disease. The first symptom is a painful sore on the side of the tongue that touches your teeth. The sore may be grayish-pink or red, and it will bleed easily when touched or bit. In the early stages, symptoms are hard to detect, so a doctor or dentist may notice them during a regular exam.
There are several risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of tongue cancer, including heavy alcohol and tobacco use. Men who drink heavily or smoke may also be at greater risk for the disease. For women, heavy alcohol and tobacco use may also contribute to its development. It is more common in men than in women, and it is associated with the human papillomavirus, which may influence treatment and prognosis. Those with a family history of tongue cancer should schedule regular examinations with their dentist or physician.
A computer-based biomechanical tongue model may help researchers quantify cancer-related changes in the tongue tissue and its motion during swallowing. Specifically, the study will develop a biomechanical model that can simulate the early pharyngeal swallow in patients with cancer of the tongue base. If this research is successful, it may help researchers design a treatment plan for cancer-affected patients. In the meantime, it may help doctors better understand the behavior of their patients with cancer.
The results of this study indicate that tumors on the tongue can stiffen the adjacent tissue. However, when the cancer spreads to other areas of the tongue, the surrounding tissue will remain flexible. As a result, the deformation of the tongue is higher when cancer spreads to the base of the tongue. Further studies are needed to determine how tongue cancer affects swallowing. The study will help determine whether the cancer can be successfully treated in this area and how long it will last.
