Which items can screen for tongue cancer

Which items can be used to screen for tongue cancer? Tongue cancer is a malignant disease that should not be underestimated, not only because of its great harm, but also because of its serious impact on the patient's life. Once you have tongue cancer, it is very difficult to return to normal life even if the treatment effect is very good. So which items can be used to screen for tongue cancer?

Tongue cancer is common among oral cancers. The cause of tongue cancer is unknown, but it is related to chemical carcinogens such as nicotine and alcohol, physical carcinogens such as ill-fitting dentures, rotten teeth, caries, etc. that rub against the edge of the tongue to cause ulcers, poor oral hygiene, long-term chronic inflammation, and biological carcinogens such as some types of human papillomavirus. In addition, heredity, body susceptibility, nutritional metabolic disorders, radiation, etc. are also related to the occurrence of tongue cancer.

The following is a detailed introduction to the commonly used examination methods for tongue cancer:

① Bimanual examination with fingers: For lumps and nodules in the front 2/3 of the tongue with local erosion or ulcers, bimanual examination can be performed with fingers to understand the size, shape, texture, pain and tongue movement of the lump and nodule. If there is any suspicion, further examination should be carried out to avoid misdiagnosis.

② Tongue tumor biopsy: For tongue ulcers, erosions and nodules that have not been cured after anti-inflammatory treatment, local tumor biopsy must be performed and sent for pathological histology to confirm the diagnosis. A very common method is to use forceps to take the tongue tumor for biopsy, which is less invasive and simple to perform. Invasive tongue cancer with intact mucosa can be examined by fine needle aspiration cytology or surgical excision of the tumor for biopsy.

③ Examination of cervical lymph nodes: Whether the cervical lymph nodes of tongue cancer have metastasized should be determined based on the location, size, texture, and surface condition of the lymph nodes. About 30% of tongue cancer patients have regional lymph node metastasis when they seek medical treatment. Most of them are enlarged cervical lymph nodes on the same side with hard texture, uneven surface, and full shape. Regardless of size, the possibility of metastasis should be considered, and lymph node biopsy should be performed when necessary.

The comprehensive application of commonly used examination methods for tongue cancer can determine whether you have tongue cancer and provide timely treatment once suspicion is found.