Tongue cancer begins in the cells of the tongue, often causing lesions and tumors in the region. It comes under the category of cancers of the head and neck. Like any other cancer, the disease results in various complications if left unattended, and it can impact the patient both physically and mentally. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the condition better. This article discusses the different tongue cancer signs and causes.

What is tongue cancer?
Cells in the body have a specific life cycle. They only multiply when there is injury, damage, or growth. Cancer is an illness where cells mutate or become harmful and multiply uncontrollably, sometimes creating tumors. These malignant cells interfere with neighboring organs, compete with healthy cells for resources, and hinder the activity of the immune system.

In tongue cancer, the cells in the tongue become cancerous and multiply. In most cases, the squamous cells are affected, and thus this type of cancer is also called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Tongue cancer, in particular, can be of two kinds. When it affects the front of the tongue, it is called oral tongue cancer. When it develops at the base of the tongue or near the throat, it is called oropharyngeal cancer.

What causes tongue cancer?
Before looking for tongue cancer signs, it is essential to understand what causes the cells in the tongue to become cancerous and spread. Unfortunately, the specific cause is unknown, but several risk factors exist:

Family history
Like other cancers, the risk of developing oral cancer increases if one’s close relative, like a parent or sibling, has a history of the disease. The risk is even higher in older men and those over 55.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits
Eating unhealthy foods, such as red meat and desserts, can increase the risk of the disease. Poor oral hygiene and chewing harmful products also have the same effect.

Exposure to UV light
Exposing one’s lips to natural or artificial ultraviolet light (like the sun or light from tanning salons) can increase the risk significantly.

Certain health conditions
Those infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) are at a greater risk. HPV patients should look out for tongue cancer symptoms and get tested periodically.

What are the symptoms of tongue cancer?
The disease can be hard to detect. Some symptoms appear on the tongue and mouth, while others are common in most cancers and may affect other body parts. The most prevalent tongue cancer signs are listed below:

Lump or blister on the tongue
Among the first indicators is a lump or blister on the tongue that causes pain and bleeds easily. The lump is usually resistant to healing; it does not close up as quickly as sores normally do. It may cause difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing.

Persistent pain
Patients may also experience persistent pain in the jaw, ear, and neck in the early phases. It may not seem connected to cancer, but one should consult a doctor if the pain does not go away.

Thickening of the mouth
Some less-obvious symptoms that usually do not cause pain include a lump or thickening in the mouth and hoarseness in the voice. Dry, harsh voice and swelling in the tongue for more than three weeks are symptoms of tongue cancer.

Dental issues
Oral cancers can also lead to problems like loose teeth. Further, people report red or white patches on the tongue, cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, or tonsils.

Minor changes in the mouth may not seem directly related to cancer. Also, most tongue cancer symptoms do not appear in the initial stages. Squamous cell carcinomas are generally asymptomatic at the start, and people do not get diagnosed till cancer metastasizes through the lymph nodes. Still, one should not take pain in the tongue, soreness, voice tone changes, and difficulty swallowing lightly. It is best to get a quick check-up by a family practitioner at the first hint of trouble.

Are there any other general symptoms?
Cancer brings a host of symptoms throughout the body. The competition for energy and resources between healthy cells and cancerous ones causes fatigue. Persistent indigestion, feelings of bloating, and changes in bowel and bladder are among the signs of cancer. Patients also experience breathing trouble, unexplained fevers, and night sweats. Further, pain in the muscles and joints and unexplained bleeding and bruising should not be ignored. These are general symptoms people experience irrespective of the type of cancer.

One must not lose hope when diagnosed with the disease. Most cancers are treatable today with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other methods. Solutions for speech difficulties are also available to manage speech-impairing tongue cancer signs. Most patients live active, unrestrained lives after treatment and even keep remission at bay.