Is it definitely tongue cancer if a tongue ulcer hasn't healed in two months?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on September 06, 2024
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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.

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Written by Peng Ting
Dentistry
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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.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
48sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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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 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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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.