Does Tongue Cancer Spread Quickly?

Most oral cancers are a type called squamous cell carcinoma. These

cancers tend to spread quickly

. Smoking and other tobacco use are linked to most cases of oral cancer. Heavy alcohol use also increases the risk for oral cancer.

Where does tongue cancer spread to?

Oral Tongue

If the tumor is large, it may have spread to

lymph nodes in the neck

. When this occurs the surgeon may recommend removal of the affected lymph nodes in the neck. Most small cancers of the oral tongue leave little cosmetic or functional changes after they are removed.

Where does base of tongue cancer spread?

Cancer at the base of the tongue is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the tumor is larger and the cancer has spread into

the lymph nodes in the neck

.

Is base of tongue cancer curable?

Tongue cancer is

highly curable when it is detected early

, but it can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Over time, it may spread to other sites in the mouth, other areas of the head and neck, or other parts of the body.

What is cancer at the base of the tongue called?

Tongue cancer can occur on the front of the tongue, which is called “oral tongue cancer.” Or it may occur at the base of the tongue, near where it attaches to the bottom of your mouth. This is called “

oropharyngeal cancer

.” Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of tongue cancer.

Can you talk after tongue cancer?

The way you talk might change. It depends on the

size and location

of your cancer and how much tissue doctors had to remove. Cancer on your tongue, for example, can make it harder to make “l” and “r” sounds. If you have a growth on the roof of your mouth, your voice may sound different.

What is the life expectancy of someone with tongue cancer?

How do they remove tongue cancer?

Glossectomy

is the name of the surgery used to remove tongue cancers. For smaller cancers, only part of the tongue may need to be removed (partial glossectomy). For larger cancers, a more substantial portion of the tongue may need to be taken out. Reconstruction of the tongue is often part of the care plan.

What does tongue cancer feel like?

Cancer on the tongue first appears as a

pinkish-red lump or sore on the sides of tongue margins

. It may be numb or firm to feel and doesn’t fade away over time. The characteristics of these lumps include: They may look like a patch or a lump or look like an ulcer.

How do you check for tongue cancer at home?

Pull your upper lip up and then your lower lip down and check

. Gently squeeze your lips as well as your cheeks with your index finger and thumb to feel for lumps, bumps or tenderness. Report any pain, loss of feeling or any areas that bleed without cause. Gently run your index finger over your upper and lower gums.

How aggressive is tongue cancer?

Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, also known as oral tongue cancer, is an

aggressive form of cancer

that generally affects older people. Patients with the disease often find it difficult to eat, swallow food, or speak.

What are the chances of tongue cancer coming back?

The

recurrence rate was 32.7%

. The recurrence time ranged from 2 to 96 months, with a median of 14 months. Univariate analysis showed that T stage, degree of differentiation, pN stage, flap application, resection margin, and lymphovascular invasion were factors of recurrence (P < 0.05).

What causes base of tongue cancer?

Causes and Risk Factors of Base of Tongue Cancer

Infection with human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted virus

.

Tobacco use

.

Heavy alcohol use

.

Use of betel nuts

, which are commonly chewed as a stimulant by people in Asia.

What does a B12 deficiency tongue look like?

B12 deficiency will also make the

tongue sore and beefy-red in color

. Glossitis, by causing swelling of the tongue, may also cause the tongue to appear smooth.

Is tongue biopsy painful?

Your tongue is very sensitive

so a needle biopsy may be uncomfortable even when numbing medicine is used. Your tongue can be tender or sore, and it may feel slightly swollen after the biopsy. You may have stitches or an open sore where the biopsy was done.

What is the best treatment for tongue cancer?

Treatment for tongue cancer typically involves

surgery to remove the cancer

. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted drug therapy also may be recommended. Treatment for advanced tongue cancers can impact your ability to speak and eat.