Is well-differentiated tongue cancer stage 2 serious?

Generally, well-differentiated tongue cancer stage 2 is serious.

Generally, well-differentiated tongue cancer is divided into four stages. Stage 1 well-differentiated tongue cancer refers to the maximum diameter of the primary tumor of the tongue ≤ 2 cm, without lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis. Stage 2 well-differentiated tongue cancer refers to the maximum diameter of the primary tumor of the tongue > 2 cm, but not more than 4 cm, without lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis. Stage 3 well-differentiated tongue cancer refers to the maximum diameter of the primary tumor of the tongue > 4 cm, without lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis.

If the maximum diameter of the primary tumor of tongue cancer is ≤2cm and there is a single ipsilateral metastatic lymph node with a diameter of ≤3cm, it is also considered stage III tongue cancer. Stage IV well-differentiated tongue cancer refers to the primary tumor invading adjacent tissues, involving the deep internal and external tongue muscles, etc., and cannot be accompanied by lymph node and distant organ metastasis. A single ipsilateral metastatic lymph node with a diameter of ≤3cm may also occur. Regardless of the size of the primary tumor and whether there is lymph node metastasis, as long as there is distant organ metastasis, it is considered stage IV well-differentiated tongue cancer.

For stage 1 or stage 2 well-differentiated tongue cancer, the tumor can be removed surgically, and the lymphatic tissue can be transferred to achieve the purpose of treatment. For stage 3 or stage 4 well-differentiated tongue cancer, radiotherapy can be used to control the development of the disease. If radiotherapy is not effective, it can also be combined with chemotherapy drugs. Commonly used drugs include fluorouracil, cisplatin, paclitaxel, etc.