Tongue cancer

Age
Cancer of the tongue is most common in those older than 40 years. However it can present in any adult age group and we regularly see patients in their 30’s and 40’s with this condition.  We have also had a number of 20 year-olds.

Risk factors
It is associated with smoking and excessive alcohol intake although many of our younger patients appear to have no such risk.

Symptoms
Tongue cancer usually presents as a non-healing ulcer or an area of soreness that doesn’t go away.  Any ulcer or area of soreness that persists beyond 3 weeks should be reviewed by a specialist in this field. 

 

 

 

The image shows a benign ulcer but this should heal within 3 weeks. If not, it must be reviewed by an expert to ensure that it is not cancer.

 

Occasionally there can be pain felt in the ear of the same side.  This is called “referred earache (otalgia)” and is due to irritation of a tongue nerve that also supplies sensation to that ear.

Some ulcers are small at presentation but many are quite large.  When large they can bleed and be smelly.  When left for a while these cancers continue to grow and can invade the jaw bone and even the overlying skin.

 

 

 

The image shows a large tongue cancer that is ulcerated and invading into the jaw.

 

Often a lymph node on the same side can be involved by the cancer. This may be the first thing noticed by the patient but most are aware of the tongue problem.

Investigations

• Biopsy – a non-healing ulcer or lump on the tongue should be biopsied in the clinic.  This is usually done under local anaesthetic.
• CT scan – of the tongue and neck to determine the extent of tongue involvement and also whether the neck nodes are enlarged.  Often the chest will also be scanned.

Treatment of tongue cancer

Tongue cancer is usually treated by surgery , often followed by radiotherapy. Learn more about treatment...