What are the symptoms of advanced tongue cancer?

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 14, 2024
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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.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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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.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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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.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
42sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
51sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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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.