Detect tongue cancer in the early stages

As with many tumor diseases, an early stage of tongue cancer is usually not easy to detect. The possible symptoms are unspecific and harmless causes are more likely in each case. Tongue cancer often develops in the lateral area of the tongue.

A hardening, elevation or open area that does not go away on its own should be examined, even if the all-clear can often be given. Often, however, tongue cancer in its early stages is not easily detected because the tumor develops in the rear area of the tongue, which is usually not easily visible. Due to the narrow anatomical conditions, however, it can also manifest itself early on by complaints when swallowing or a foreign body sensation in the throat.

In addition to the growths on the tongue described above, a limited area of tongue coating that appears unusual should also be examined by a physician. Large coatings on almost the entire tongue can look threatening, but they do not usually hide cancer of the tongue. A possible typical cause is an infestation of the tongue by the skin fungus Candida albicans.

This is also called thrush. In such a case, however, it is advisable to consult a doctor to have the infection treated. When detecting tongue cancer in its early stages, one should also be aware that the disease is rather rare and in most cases affects older people, smokers and those with poor oral hygiene and frequent infections in the oral cavity. It is extremely unlikely but not impossible that a young person who does not smoke and brushes his teeth regularly will develop tongue cancer.

End-stage tongue cancer

It is not possible to describe in general terms what tongue cancer in its terminal stage looks like, as it can develop in different ways and manifest itself in the course of the disease. The more advanced the tongue cancer is, the larger the ulcer is typically. Swallowing, speaking and breathing can be difficult.

In addition, parts of the cancer may disintegrate, which can lead to a foul odor and bleeding in the oral cavity. The probability that the tumor has metastasized to the rest of the body is quite high in the final stage. Depending on the location and size of the tongue cancer, parts of the tongue may have to be removed, which may also affect speaking and swallowing.

If the ability to swallow is completely lost, artificial feeding may even be necessary, for example via a stomach tube inserted through the abdominal wall. As with other end-stage tumors, tongue cancer can also cause the patient to lose a lot of weight and to look emaciated and emaciated. If radiotherapy or chemotherapy was or is part of the treatment, patients also typically lose their scalp hair.