10 Common Tongue Cancer Symptoms Often Ignored

What is Tongue Cancer?

Tongue cancer develops when the cells on your tongue start to grow and divide uncontrollably. The tongue generally starts from the hyoid bone, which is located where the chin meets the neck, and ends at the floor of the mouth. 

When the cancer starts to affect the front part of the tongue, the part is visible which is often known as oral cancer or oral tongue cancer. If the cancer starts to develop on the back portion of the tongue, which is the part you cannot see, then healthcare providers call it oropharyngeal cancer or base of tongue cancer.

What are the 10 common symptoms of tongue cancer you shouldn’t ever ignore?

Here are 10 common symptoms of tongue cancer that people often overlook or dismiss. Including:

Persistent mouth sores or white/red patches:

One of the most common and earliest signs of tongue cancer is the development of mouth sores that don't heal fast even after a few weeks. These mouth sores, which often appear white or red in color, may appear painful and persistent. While many mouth sores appear benign, sores that do not last for more than two weeks should be treated and medically evaluated by a healthcare team.

Pain or numbness in the tongue:

If you are experiencing pain or any kind of dull ache in the tongue that doesn’t get improved even after a few weeks, then it should be considered to get evaluated by a healthcare provider. People often complain of discomfort which can appear mild at first, but overtime it can get worse. Many people take it as a less serious issue due to any kind of muscle strain, but if the pain continues, then it's important to seek medical attention without any delay!

Changes in tongue appearance:

If you start to experience any unusual changes in the appearance of your tongue, such as lumps, bumps, or a thickened area, then it might be a sign of tongue cancer. Some of these changes may include growths that are white, red, or dark in color, often accompanied by a change in texture of the tongue. Any kind of persistent changes should be assessed by a dentist or doctor. 

Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia):

Difficulty swallowing is a common symptom of tongue cancer, especially when the tumor affects the base or side of the tongue. It will start as a mild sensation of food getting stuck or discomfort while swallowing, but it can worsen as the tumor grows. If you have difficulty swallowing or feel like food is frequently getting stuck in your throat, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. 

Speech changes:

Cancer of the tongue can affect your ability to speak clearly. If you start to experience any kind of swallowing issues, difficulty in pronouncing certain words, or other speech changes, it may be related to tongue cancer. It occurs when the cancer can interfere with the tongue's muscles and nerves, making it harder to articulate words. 

Unexplained weight loss:

Sudden and unexplained weight loss, especially accompanied by any other types of symptoms, can be a warning sign of these cancers. If you are losing weight without trying any changes to your diet or exercise routine, it may be difficult to swallow, as the pain and discomfort from the tumor can make eating more painful and difficult.

• Chronic bad breath (Halitosis):

If you are experiencing bad breath despite any regular oral hygiene, then that can be a sign of a deeper issue, such as cancer in the tongue. These cancerous lesions on the tongue can often lead to infection and also tissue decay, which might be the reason for getting a foul-smelling odor.

Bleeding or discharge from the Tongue:

Bleeding or an unusual discharge of pus or blood might come from an ulcer, lump, or lesion on the tongue, which could be a serious warning sign. When tongue cancer starts to develop, the tumor might begin to break down, which often leads to bleeding.

Swollen lymph nodes in the Neck:

Lymph nodes in the neck can become swollen when the cancer starts to spread. If you start to experience a lump or swelling in the neck that doesn’t go away easily, especially if it's painful, then it could be a sign of cancer. It shows the cancer has spread from the tongue to the lymphatic system.

Consult Today

Tongue cancer is considered difficult to detect in its early stages because the early symptoms often get dismissed or mistaken for less serious health conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms mentioned above, then it's better to be cautious when it comes to your health. If you are experiencing symptoms like any continuous or unusual symptoms, especially those that don't improve over time. Try to consult with a dentist or doctor early. Early detection of tongue cancer can save lives, so do not ignore these warning signs!

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