What are the symptoms of tongue cancer in the elderly

In recent years, the incidence of tongue cancer in the elderly has continued to rise. As children, we should not only pay attention to the elderly's diet and living habits, but most importantly, any symptoms of discomfort in the elderly, especially since the symptoms of tongue cancer in the elderly are similar to those of other diseases. This requires us to understand the symptoms of tongue cancer in the elderly so that we can better take care of the elderly.

In the early stages of tongue cancer, the symptoms are not very obvious, including slurred speech, slight drooling at the corners of the mouth,

Symptoms include slow swallowing movements, frequent biting of the tongue, and long-term non-healing of oral ulcers. Traumatic ulcers are more common in the elderly, and are prone to occur behind the lateral edge of the tongue, often with irritants in the corresponding area. The ulcer is deeper, with a grayish-white pseudomembrane on the surface, and the base is not hard. It can heal on its own after the irritant is removed. Tuberculous ulcers often occur on the back of the tongue, and occasionally on the tip and edge of the tongue. The ulcer is shallow, purple-red, with irregular edges, and is a latent lesion with a small rat-bite mouth and a large base, with no infiltration of the base. Therefore, if you are an elderly person, you should be vigilant if you have these symptoms, especially those who smoke for a long time, wear dentures for a long time, and are addicted to chewing betel nuts, who are all prone to tongue cancer.

Tongue cancer can be prevented: Wear dentures correctly, quit smoking, and clean teeth

Dentures, artificial teeth or metal trays in the mouth will cause long-term irritation to the oral mucosa and increase the risk of disease. Therefore, experts recommend wearing dentures correctly. If there are cavities, they should be filled early. Remaining crowns and roots that can be repaired should be dealt with in time to restore the normal anatomical shape of the teeth as soon as possible.

Quit bad habits such as smoking and drinking, strengthen physical exercise, improve nutrition, eat more fresh fruits rich in vitamins and with anti-cancer and anti-cancer effects, and eat less irritating foods. In addition, it is a basic oral protection measure to pay attention to oral hygiene, brush your teeth every morning and evening, and rinse your mouth after meals.

If you find long-lasting erosions, cracks or ulcers on the surface of the tongue, you should pay great attention to it and go to the hospital for treatment in time, perform early excision and biopsy, or actively treat and observe regularly.