Tongue cancer remains relatively rare, yet certain groups face elevated risk. An oncologist with the European Medical Center Institute of Oncology, speaking to socialbites.ca, outlined the key facts about this disease and who is most vulnerable.
According to the expert, the lateral edges of the tongue are the most frequently affected areas when this cancer develops.
“Today, treatment outcomes for tongue cancer are encouraging, with a five-year survival rate exceeding ninety-five percent. Early detection plays a pivotal role in this success. The tongue is an easily visible organ, which makes it possible to notice suspicious changes early, improving prognosis,” the physician noted.
The doctor highlighted smoking as the primary risk factor. Tobacco smoke is a potent carcinogen that impacts the entire body, but lesions on surfaces that come into direct contact with it are more likely to become malignant. Smoking raises the likelihood of developing cancers of the oral cavity, including the tongue, by roughly one in five. Alcohol use adds to the overall risk profile as well.
“Human papillomavirus can also contribute to tongue cancer development. HPV comprises a family of viruses with more than 600 types. Not all are dangerous, but types 16 and 18 are known to be oncogenic. Cancers linked to HPV types 16 and 18 often respond well to a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. If someone harbors these viruses, it is prudent to monitor health closely and schedule regular specialist examinations,” advised the oncologist.
As explained by the physician, initial signs of tongue cancer can include persistent non-healing sores or ulcers, lumps or swellings, restricted movement, or numbness in the area where the tongue resides.
Borzyanytsia emphasized, “These symptoms may not necessarily indicate cancer, but any ongoing discomfort should prompt a prompt consult with a specialist and a thorough examination.”
A note from a former oncologist suggests that hoarseness is a hallmark symptom associated with lung cancer, underscoring the importance of paying attention to unusual changes in the throat and surrounding regions.
In Canada and the United States alike, awareness about risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection is crucial. Regular dental checkups and prompt attention to persistent oral changes can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. This proactive approach, combined with advances in treatment, supports high survival rates when tongue cancer is detected early and managed by experienced oncology teams. It is important for individuals to discuss personal risk factors with their healthcare provider and to seek evaluation if new lesions, persistent sores, or unexplained numbness arise in or about the tongue and mouth area. [Source: European Medical Center Institute of Oncology]