Definition
Cancer of the tongue is a malignant, rarely occurring ulcer that originates from the tongue. The mucosa of the tongue consists mainly of unkeratinized squamous epithelium. Since most tumors develop from it, they are also called squamous cell carcinomas.
Tongue carcinomas are included in the large group of head and neck tumors. For general information on how to get started, we recommend our page on: Squamous cell carcinoma – What is it? The tongue is divided into the anterior two thirds, which lies against the palate when the mouth is closed, and the posterior solid third, which points towards the throat and extends down to the epiglottis.
This third is called the base of the tongue. The distribution of tongue cancer is as follows: There is a subdivision of the tumors into those that grow flat in the mucosa and those that grow cauliflower-like above the squamous epithelium. The 5-year survival rate is 60 – 80% depending on the tumor stage.
- Over half in the middle third at the edge of the tongue
- Approx. one quarter in the front third of the tongue
- One fifth at the base of the tongue.
Symptoms of tongue cancer
As with most malignant diseases, there are no clear or typical symptoms in tongue cancer that are caused only by this disease. Rather, there are usually several unspecific symptoms, for which harmless causes are much more likely.
- Localized hardening (hardening that slowly becomes larger and larger)
- Open spots (wound that does not heal)
- Lump feeling in the neck
- Washed-out language
- Increased saliva flow
- Pain on the tongue itself or in the throat
- Restricted mobility of the tongue
- Swallowing disorders
- Rotten smell
- Bleeding in the oral cavity
Sore throat and difficulty swallowing are among the most common complaints.
In the vast majority of cases, a harmless disease is hidden behind the complaints, which heals within a few days to a few weeks even without treatment. In the vast majority of cases, the symptoms are caused by a harmless viral infection, which is best cured by taking it easy on the body, drinking enough and applying warm compresses to the neck. Only in a few cases, however, the symptoms are caused by a disease that should be treated specifically.
Malignant diseases such as tongue cancer, for example, make up a fraction of these cases. Therefore, tongue cancer should not be thought of immediately in the case of newly occurring sore throat or swallowing difficulties. However, if the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks or increase continuously, a clarification of the cause is indicated.
Many people suffer from bad breath, which can have various causes. Bad breath is often caused by poor oral hygiene. In a few cases, the symptom is caused by a treatable disease such as oesophagus prolapse.
A malignant disease such as cancer of the tongue can also manifest itself through bad breath. However, this usually only occurs at an advanced stage when a cancer that has been present for some time decays. Conversely, it is only in extremely rare cases that tongue cancer is the cause of the halitosis symptom.
However, if bad breath reoccurs and persists despite good oral hygiene, a visit to the doctor may be indicated to clarify a possible treatable cause. In the case of tongue cancer, bleeding may occur in the oral cavity, either directly from the cancer or when the cancer grows into a blood vessel and opens it. In general, however, blood in the mouth usually comes from the gums, which is often due to inadequate oral hygiene.
The dentist should be consulted about the symptom at the recommended six-monthly check-up. However, if unexplained bleeding in the oral cavity occurs more frequently, an early check-up with the family doctor may also be indicated. Even if tongue cancer is very rarely the cause, early detection is all the more important.
Tongue pain can have various causes, although in most cases it is harmless and rarely requires treatment. Only in a fraction of the cases the rather rare tongue cancer is the cause.In addition to pain, however, a protrusion or a non-healing wound on the tongue can often be felt or seen in the mirror image. Far more frequently, tongue pain is caused by an aphtha, for example.
This is a small inflammation in the mouth. However, often no clear cause of the symptom can be found. In women, an accumulation of tongue pain during menopause is suspected to be related to hormonal changes.
Increased salivation is a non-specific symptom that can have various causes, most of which are harmless. A malignant disease such as tongue cancer can also lead to an increase in saliva production, among other things, but usually other symptoms then occur and the tumor can be recognized in the area of the tongue or at least be felt as a hardening or bulge. If increased salivation occurs, tongue cancer should therefore not be thought of immediately. If the symptom persists for a period of more than two weeks, it is advisable to consult a doctor to determine a possible cause.
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