Tongue cancer most commonly develops as squamous cell carcinoma, arising from the flat cells that line the surface of the tongue. It can affect the front two-thirds (oral tongue) or the base of the tongue.
Common risk factors include tobacco use (smoked and smokeless), heavy alcohol consumption, and HPV infection. Persistent mouth ulcers, a lump or thickening in the tongue, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained tongue pain are warning signs that should never be ignored.
Diagnosis typically involves a detailed clinical examination, biopsy of the suspicious area, and imaging to assess the extent of disease and whether it has spread to the neck lymph nodes.
Treatment depends on the stage at diagnosis and may include surgery (such as hemiglossectomy), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. Early-stage tongue cancer generally has a much better outlook and often needs less aggressive treatment.
Early diagnosis of tongue cancer allows for more treatment options, with fewer side effects — which is why any non-healing mouth ulcer or unusual tongue growth lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated by an ENT / Head & Neck specialist without delay.
