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Tongue cancer
What are the symptoms of tongue cancer?
Tongue cancer is a type of oral cancer, with clinical symptoms primarily manifested in the following aspects. Many patients develop lumps on the tongue, which generally have unclear boundaries and easily adhere to surrounding tissues, showing limited mobility. The lumps exhibit persistent rapid growth, and when they invade nearby tissues, patients can experience ear pain and difficulties in tongue movement. In advanced stages, patients with tongue cancer may have a fixed tongue, drooling, difficulty eating, and unclear speech. Additionally, lumps in tongue cancer can undergo necrosis, ulceration, and secondary infections, bleeding, and some may have an abnormal taste. The disease can lead to lymph node metastasis, causing lymph node enlargement, often manifesting as neck lumps. Some patients may also experience metastasis to bone tissues, resulting in bone pain.
Early symptoms of tongue cancer
The early symptoms of tongue cancer patients are mainly manifested as ulcerous lesions on the surface of the tongue, which relapse frequently. The effectiveness of common anti-inflammatory drugs and ulcer treatments is poor. The edges of these ulcerative lesions are rough and the bottom is unclean, often accompanied by abnormal secretions. When infected, the area may exhibit bleeding, pain, and other symptoms. Additionally, some early-stage patients may develop nodular lesions on the surface of the tongue. These nodules have irregular edges and tend to adhere to the surrounding tongue tissues. They are relatively hard, and their surfaces are prone to friction, bleeding, and even exhibit signs of inflammation such as redness and swelling.
Treatment methods for tongue cancer
Tongue cancer poses a significant threat to human life, and since it can spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, it is crucial to detect and treat it early. The early symptoms of tongue cancer are not very noticeable, and many do not attract attention, such as initial tongue pain, ulcers, erosion, and lumps. For treatment, individualized approaches should be adopted depending on the condition of the disease. If it is an early-stage primary lesion, simple local surgical excision can be done, as well as chemotherapy and cryotherapy. In advanced stages, a comprehensive treatment approach should be adopted, combining surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, with neck lymph node dissection necessary for metastatic cases.
The difference between tongue cancer and tongue ulcers
The main difference between tongue cancer and tongue ulcers is whether the ulcerative surface on the tongue can heal or not. Tongue ulcers tend to recur and the location of each occurrence may be different, generally healing on their own within two weeks. Most are soft in texture with the diameter of the ulcer surface being less than 0.5 centimeters. If a tongue ulcer does not heal after more than two weeks, it should raise significant concern, indicating a possible malignant transformation. Tongue cancer tends to have a harder texture, larger ulcer diameter of several centimeters. Typically, it appears cauliflower-shaped, with a surface covered by a dirty pseudo-membrane, severe pain, and restricted tongue movement.
What are the symptoms of advanced tongue cancer?
Tongue cancer is a major threat among oral diseases and requires early detection and treatment. Initially, it often presents as ulcers on the tongue, which are easily overlooked. A clear symptom is the recurrent appearance of ulcerative surfaces on the tongue, along with new growths. The base of the ulcer may be uneven, and secondary infection of the ulcer can cause local bleeding and pain. When the cancer invades the tongue muscles and neck muscles, there can be tongue movement disorders and speech difficulties. Swallowing may also be affected, and there could be lymph node metastasis in the neck. Therefore, upon diagnosis of cancer, comprehensive treatment should be immediately implemented to delay the progression of the disease.
What are the differences between tongue ulcers and tongue cancer?
The main difference between tongue ulcers and tongue cancer is whether the ulceration on the tongue can heal or not. Tongue ulcers tend to recur and each outbreak may occur at a different site. They have a self-healing nature and usually heal on their own within two weeks. Most are soft in texture and the diameter of the ulcer surface is less than 0.5 centimeters. If a tongue ulcer does not heal after more than two weeks, it should be highly suspect and suggests the possibility of cancerous changes. Tongue cancer is characterized by a harder texture and larger ulcer diameter, several centimeters or more, typically with a cauliflower-like appearance, a surface covered in filthy pseudomembrane, severe pain, and restricted tongue movement.
Is it definitely tongue cancer if a tongue ulcer hasn't healed in two months?
Tongue ulcers are a type of oral ulcer, generally characterized by localized erosion of the skin and soft tissue mucosa, with a surface showing some whitish substances. If a patient experiences long-term oral ulcers that do not heal over an extended period, it is recommended that they seek medical attention at a hospital to identify other possible causes. Various factors, including certain medications, foods, or other systemic diseases, can lead to tongue ulcers. Tongue ulcers persisting for two months are not necessarily indicative of tongue cancer, so patients are advised not to worry excessively but should promptly visit a hospital for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
What are the symptoms of tongue cancer?
Tongue cancer poses a significant threat to human health, and its early symptoms are not obvious. Many cases initially present as oral ulcers and do not receive immediate attention. By the time the cancer becomes apparent, the best opportunity for treatment might have been missed, so it’s crucial to pay attention to the early signs. The symptoms of tongue cancer often start with a history of local leukoplakia, or long-term chronic irritation, manifesting as visible ulcerative and sharp foreign body growths. This type of growth is relatively fast and is accompanied by obvious pain. The movement of the tongue may be restricted, sometimes causing difficulties in eating and swallowing. Frequently, there is metastasis to the neck lymph nodes. If these conditions occur, it is vital to visit a hospital for timely examination and diagnosis.
How is tongue cancer treated?
Tongue cancer can occur in patients with chronic long-term glossitis. Initial symptoms are not obvious. When a neoplasm is discovered on the tongue, it is important to seek medical attention early, as early detection is crucial. Otherwise, the best opportunity for treatment may be lost. Early detection of tongue cancer should lead to surgical removal of the tumor focus. Surgery is the main method of treatment for tongue cancer. Since there may be lymph node metastasis, it is also necessary to clean the cervical lymph nodes during surgery. Additionally, the choice of radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be based on the clinical presentation of the tongue cancer to achieve effective treatment results.