What is tongue cancer? What are the symptoms of tongue cancer?

Tongue cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the tongue tissue. Early symptoms include tongue ulcers, pain and lumps. Treatments include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The onset of tongue cancer is related to genetics, environmental factors, smoking and drinking, poor oral hygiene and human papillomavirus infection. The typical symptoms of tongue cancer are long-term ulcers, pain, lumps, difficulty swallowing and speech disorders on the tongue. In severe cases, it may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

1. The cause of tongue cancer involves many factors. Genetic factors may increase the risk of disease, and people with a family history of tongue cancer need to be vigilant. Environmental factors such as long-term exposure to chemical carcinogens, smoking and drinking are the main causes. Harmful substances in tobacco and alcohol can directly stimulate tongue tissue and cause abnormal cell proliferation. Physiological factors such as poor oral hygiene, chronic inflammation or infection can also increase the probability of disease. Trauma, such as long-term mechanical stimulation or damage to the tongue, may induce cancer. Pathological factors such as human papillomavirus infection are closely related to the occurrence of tongue cancer, especially high-risk HPV infection.

2. The early symptoms of tongue cancer are often ignored, but timely identification is crucial for treatment. Long-term ulcers on the tongue that do not heal are typical manifestations, usually accompanied by pain, especially when eating or talking. Lumps or nodules on the tongue are also common symptoms, which may be accompanied by surface roughness or color changes. As the disease progresses, patients may experience difficulty swallowing, speech disorders, and limited tongue movement. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are a manifestation of late-stage tongue cancer, indicating that the tumor may have metastasized.

3. The treatment of tongue cancer requires a personalized plan based on the stage of the disease and the patient's physical condition. Surgery is the main treatment method, including partial glossectomy, total glossectomy and neck lymph node dissection, aiming to completely remove tumor tissue. Radiotherapy is suitable for early-stage tongue cancer or postoperative adjuvant treatment, using high-energy rays to kill residual cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used for advanced or metastatic tongue cancer. Commonly used drugs include cisplatin, paclitaxel and fluorouracil, which can inhibit tumor growth and spread. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are emerging therapies that target specific molecular targets or activate the immune system to fight tumors.

4. Prevention and early screening of tongue cancer are crucial. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are key measures to reduce the risk of disease. Tobacco and alcohol are the main causes of tongue cancer. Maintain good oral hygiene, brush your teeth, use dental floss and mouthwash regularly to reduce oral bacteria and inflammation. Avoid long-term consumption of overheated, spicy or irritating foods to reduce mechanical stimulation to the tongue. Regular oral examinations, especially for high-risk groups such as long-term smokers and drinkers, HPV-infected people and those with a family history of the disease, can significantly improve the cure rate by detecting lesions early.

Tongue cancer is a preventable and treatable disease. Early identification and standardized treatment are the key to improving survival rates. By understanding the causes, symptoms and treatments of tongue cancer and taking active preventive measures, the risk of disease can be effectively reduced. For patients who have been diagnosed, complying with treatment and maintaining an optimistic attitude can help improve prognosis and quality of life.