Tongue cancer is a kind of cancer that starts as an abnormal growth of cells on the tongue. The tongue structure starts in the throat and extends into the mouth. Malignant growth can appear in any part of the tongue. Cancer starting in the mouth is called oral tongue cancer and that initiating in the throat is known as oropharyngeal tongue cancer. About 95% of cases of tongue cancer are related to the use of tobacco products. A tongue cancer diagnosis at its initial stages can help with timely treatment and high recovery chances before it spreads throughout the mouth, throat, and other areas of our head and neck.
Diagnosis of tongue cancer
If anyone experiences symptoms like a lump on the tongue or sore, swollen lymph nodes, numbness of the tongue, etc., and doubts the possibility of cancer, immediately consult a physician. The doctor knows how to detect tongue cancer.
For tongue cancer diagnosis, the doctor may conduct a physical examination and recommend certain tests, which are as follows:
The doctor will examine the mouth, throat, and neck and check for any lumps on the tongue and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
The doctor will remove a small tissue sample from the suspected area to check for the presence of cancerous cells. This histopathology study is called biopsy. There are 2 main types of biopsy:
- Punch Biopsy- In this test, a deep layer of tissue from the suspected area is cut out using a round-tipped tool and examined for any cancerous growth.
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy- In this method, a fine needle is used to draw out a small sample of tissue and fluids from the lump and then check for cancerous cells.
- Laryngoscopy: During this procedure, the doctor inserts a special lighted scope that goes into the throat to examine the throat, tongue's base, and the vocal cord.
- Endoscopy: The doctor inserts a flexible small tube equipped with a camera down the throat to get a close look at the throat. The images from the camera are shown on a video screen that helps the doctor look for abnormalities and the spread of cancer.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan: This technique involves the use of X-rays to take a series of pictures of a body part and then uses a computer to create a detailed image out of it.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET): PET takes a three-dimensional image of the suspected area to look for lumps or swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses magnetism and radio waves to make pictures of the tongue for evaluating squamous carcinoma cells.
Conclusion
A person with tongue cancer finds difficulty in speaking and eating, which can affect the patient mentally and physically, and needs emotional support from their caregivers. Tongue cancer is a serious illness that should be diagnosed and treated early before it spreads throughout the mouth, throat, and other areas of our head and neck. Taking comprehensive health insurance that covers all medical expenses for oral cancer treatment and checkups will be a great financial support for any patient.