What are the early symptoms of tongue cancer

Most tongue cancers originate from normal mucosa and are cancerous from the beginning; a few are caused by benign lesions, such as leukoplakia. They are more likely to occur in the middle 1/3 of the tongue margin, followed by the tongue belly and back. In the early stage of tongue cancer, enlarged lymph nodes under the ear and jaw can be seen.

In the early stage, it manifests as small mucosal nodules, which gradually form obvious lumps and ulcers. When combined with infection, it causes severe pain, which radiates to the face and ears on the same side. When tongue cancer invades the floor of the mouth, tongue movement is restricted, the tongue is fixed, eating is difficult, and speech is unclear. Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue body is more likely to occur in the middle 1/3 of the tongue edge, followed by the tongue belly and the northern part of the tongue. It can appear red and white, with a smooth or fine granular surface, and a few have ulcers; in the late stage, it can be cauliflower-shaped. The tongue body becomes hard. Symptoms of mid-stage tongue cancer The symptoms of mid-stage colon cancer are between the early symptoms and the late symptoms, and generally develop progressively.

Symptoms of advanced tongue cancer can be seen at any age, but are more common in middle-aged and elderly people, and more common in men than in women. The most common site is the lateral edge of the tongue, followed by the tip, back and root of the tongue. Clinically, the ulcer type is more common. Palpation can reveal infiltrative nodules around the ulcer. When the tumor involves deep muscles and lingual nerves, pain and tongue movement disorders may occur, affecting speech and swallowing functions. Advanced tongue cancer can invade the floor of the mouth, mandible, palatoglossal arch, and tonsils. The closer the lesion is to the root of the tongue, the higher the degree of malignancy. Due to the frequent activity of the tongue, the abundant lymphatic vessels and blood circulation, it is easy to metastasize to the lymph nodes at an early stage. Tongue cancer can metastasize to distant sites, commonly in the lungs.

1. It is more common on the edge of the tongue, followed by the tip, back and root of the tongue.

2. The local disease is ulcerative or infiltrative, grows fast, and in the later stage there are spontaneous pain, tenderness and radiating pain, tongue numbness, movement and swallowing disorders.

3. Chronic irritation factors may be found near the tumor, such as poor restorations, residual roots, residual crowns, sharp crown edges, etc.

4. In the early stage, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck can be felt.