Early stages of tongue cancer are generally not recurrable, but may be treatable with surgery. If the tumor is small and has not spread to other mouth structures, radiotherapy may be sufficient to control the pain and discomfort. Treatments for advanced stages may include surgical removal of the affected area, as well as the lymph nodes. The treatment options for advanced stage tongue cancer depend on the extent of the cancer. There are two main types of treatments: surgical removal and radiotherapy.
The symptoms of tongue cancer vary from person to person, but most commonly include a sore or lump on one side of the tongue. These lumps or lesions are usually pink to red and may bleed when touched or biting. These lesions may last for several weeks. If they persist for more than a couple of weeks, they may be indicative of a cancer. If the sore does not heal on its own, treatment may include chemotherapy and radiation. Physiotherapy is another treatment option for people with advanced stage tongue cancer.
During a biopsy, the doctor will take a tissue sample and examine it under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy sample may be subjected to tests for HPV infection. The procedure may require a general anaesthetic. A biopsy is the most accurate way to determine the stage of cancer in the tongue. If you are concerned, you should talk to your health care provider about the treatment options available. The sooner you begin treatment, the earlier you can treat your condition.
While the symptoms of tongue cancer are not common, it is important to see your GP as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your mouth. If you suspect that you might have cancer in the tongue, you should make an appointment with an otolaryngologist. An early diagnosis improves the prognosis. In UC Irvine, a team of Head and Neck specialists has developed a unique screening procedure to detect tongue cancer early.
If you think you are at risk for developing oral cancer, it is advisable to schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist or doctor. Regular checkups with your doctor will ensure you don’t have any oral cancer. You can also take a monthly self-exam to check for abnormalities. The pain, swelling, or bleeding of the tongue are signs of tongue cancer. The early detection of oral cancer is essential to preventing the disease from getting worse.
Advanced tongue cancer patients may require a more complex operation or longer hospital stay. To treat it, the surgeon removes the tongue and also removes lymph nodes in the neck. This procedure will lower the risk of the cancer coming back. While treatment will be painful, it should be well controlled. Your doctor will provide you with a painkiller via tablets, liquids, or a drip. These painkillers will ease your pain and reduce your chances of recurrence.
