Early Stage Tongue Cancer: What You Need To Know

Early Stage Tongue Cancer is a type of mouth cancer that begins in the tongue’s cells. It can be treated very easily when detected at an early stage—the chances of recovery are also much higher. Hence, if you get to know about its signs and causes at an early stage—it can really save your life! According to Dr Ajeet Tiwari, an experienced cancer specialist, early detection is the most important step to treat tongue cancer. In this blog, we will further discuss about its symptoms and causes, so read till the end!

Symptoms of Early Stage Tongue Cancer

Tongue cancer might not show obvious signs at an early stage. Detecting early-stage tongue cancer promptly increases the chances of successful treatment.  However, there are some common symptoms of early-stage tongue cancer such as

  • Sores or ulcers on the tongue that do not heal within two weeks.
  • Red or white patches on the tongue.
  • Pain or tenderness when eating, drinking, or speaking.
  • Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of something stuck in the throat.
  • Unexplained bleeding from the tongue.
  • Numbness or itchiness in the tongue.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are various factors that can increase the chances of early-stage tongue cancer such as

  • One of the main causes is smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Drinking alcohol can increase risk.
  • A few types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can also lead to tongue cancer.
  • If you cannot maintain your oral health—it can lead to the development of cancer.
  • Tongue cancer is more common in men over 40.

Diagnosis of Early Stage Tongue Cancer

Doctors diagnose early stage tongue cancer by using a combination of methods such as

  • Physical examination : Doctors will look for unusual spots or patches on the tongue.
  • Biopsy : The doctor will take a small tissue sample to check for cancer cells.
  • Imaging tests : CT scans, MRI, or PET scans may be done to see if the cancer has spread.

Treatment Options

Treatment for early stage tongue cancer depends on the size and location of the tumour:

  1. Surgery : Surgery removes the tumour along with a small margin of healthy tissue.

2. Radiation therapy : A doctor uses high-energy rays to abolish cancer cells.

3. Targeted therapy or chemotherapy :  These are sometimes used in combination with other treatments if needed.

Prevention and Care

You can lower the risk of early stage tongue cancer by using these prevention tips

  • Avoiding all kinds of tobacco products.
  • Make sure you consume alcohol in limit.
  • Maintaining a good oral hygiene is very important.
  • You must visit your dentist for check-ups if any symptoms you notice.
  • Be aware of any sores, patches, or pain in your tongue or mouth.

Conclusion

Early Stage Tongue Cancer can be treated if it is detected early. Therefore, stay aware of symptoms, avoid risk factors and take timely medical care for quality living. Having regular oral care and check-ups can help you prevent tongue cancer. If you notice any symptoms, you can consult with Dr. Ajeet Tiwari  for best treatment.

Leave a Reply