Tongue Cancer

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.

What is Tongue Cancer?

Tongue cancer, a subset of oral cavity cancer, arises in the tongue’s squamous cells, divided into oral tongue (anterior two-thirds, 70%) and base of tongue (posterior, HPV-related). It’s primarily squamous cell carcinoma, with ~17,000 US cases annually in 2025 (part of oral cancers), more in men aged 60+. Often aggressive, it spreads to lymph nodes early, impacting speech and swallowing.

Symptoms

Symptoms include a persistent sore/ulcer on the tongue, red/white patches, pain (worsened by eating/spicy foods), difficulty swallowing/speaking, tongue stiffness, neck lump (lymph nodes), ear pain, bad breath, and bleeding. Advanced cases cause weight loss, slurred speech, or airway obstruction. Symptoms mimic ulcers or infections, delaying diagnosis.

Causes

Risk factors include smoking (3-5 times risk), heavy alcohol (synergistic), HPV (base of tongue, 50% of cases), poor oral hygiene, betel nut chewing, and chronic irritation (sharp teeth). TP53 and EGFR mutations drive growth. In 2025, HPV vaccination reduces base-of-tongue incidence, but tobacco persists as a driver.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves oral exam, flexible endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging (CT/MRI/PET). HPV testing stratifies prognosis. In 2025, AI endoscopy and molecular profiling enhance detection.

Treatment

Early-stage uses surgery (partial glossectomy) or radiation. Advanced cases combine surgery, IMRT, and chemotherapy (cisplatin). Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) for HPV+ or recurrent cases. In 2025, robotic surgery improves speech/swallowing outcomes.

Future Outlook

In 2025, 5-year survival is 80% for localized, 40% for metastatic. HPV+ cases fare better (90%). By 2030, vaccines and targeted therapies could achieve 85% survival.

Sources

Cleveland Clinic’s “Tongue Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment”; Mayo Clinic’s “Tongue cancer – Symptoms and causes”; NCI’s “Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)”; American Cancer Society’s “Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer”; PMC’s “Tongue Cancer: 2025 Updates”.