Tongue cancer is not a common cancer. Despite this, certain categories of people are at risk. Stanislav Borzyanytsia, an oncologist at the European Medical Center Institute of Oncology, told socialbites.ca about this.
According to the expert, the lateral surfaces of the tongue are most often affected.
“This type of cancer is being successfully treated and the five-year survival rate is over 95 percent. Much of this is due to early detection. The tongue is an organ that is in direct line of sight, so it’s pretty easy to detect a malignant tumor in the early stages,” he said.
The doctor stated that the main risk factor is smoking. Tobacco smoke is a powerful enough carcinogen that affects the entire body, but there is a higher chance of developing a malignant tumor in parts of the body that are in direct contact with it. Smoking increases the chances of developing malignant tumors of the oral cavity, including the tongue, by about 20%. An additional risk factor is alcohol consumption.
“Human papillomavirus can also trigger the development of cancer of the tongue. HPV is a group of viruses with more than 600 different types. Not all of them are potentially dangerous. Types 16 and 18 are considered oncogenic. Also, tongue associated with HPV types 16 and 18 “cancer responds better to treatment with both radiation therapy and chemotherapy. If you have such viruses, you should monitor your health especially carefully and be examined by a specialist periodically,” advised the oncologist.
As indicated by the doctor, the first signs of tongue cancer may be long non-healing sores or ulcers, seals or swellings, impaired movement or numbness in the area where this organ is located.
Borzyanytsia advised, “These symptoms may not be related to an oncological disease, but if you notice any discomfort, you should immediately consult a specialist and be examined.”
Former oncologist Salim Nidal judicial Hoarseness is the most characteristic symptom of lung cancer.
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.