Tongue cancer can be broadly classified into three types, namely, oral cancer, oral cavity cancer and oropharyngeal cancer. This can affect the entire tongue or just the base of the tongue. The causes for tongue cancer are numerous. An underlying cancer condition in the head or neck can lead to cancerous growth on the tongue.
Smoking cigarettes and tobacco chewing can trigger cancerous outgrowths on the squamous cells found on the surface of the tongue.
Abuse of alcohol is also responsible for triggering tongue cancer. The chances of a person begin affected if any of his family members have had an incidence of tongue cancer are quite high.
The signs and symptoms vary according to the position of the tumor and the severity of the disease. It is often mistaken with ulcer formation because it looks like a small bump on the side of the tongue. So, how do you differentiate from ulcer and a cancerous growth? Remember that a cancerous growth will make chewing or swallowing food very difficult. You would also notice red or white colored patches on the surface of the tongue. The ulcers bleed. There can be a change in the person's voice accompanied with sore throat.
The swelling and pain is often observed in the base of the tongue. Bleeding, numbness, loss of taste, intolerance to spicy food, a visible or hidden lump at the back of the throat accompanied with sever earache, sudden weight loss, sore throat and throat pain are some common symptoms associated with throat cancer. Bad breath is also observed.
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