Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Yavuz Selim Yıldırım gave important information about the subject. Our tongue is a piece of tissue made up of muscle mass without a bone structure with the function of speaking and swallowing. Malignant cancer can be seen in our tongue, as in other organs. It is usually noticed and caught in the early period, cancers in the back and inner region of the tongue can rarely be detected in the late period. Malignant tumors should definitely be considered in wounds that do not heal in the mouth for more than 2-3 weeks. It can manifest itself in the form of a tissue that gradually grows on the tongue and is different from the color of the tongue, or in the form of a pit on the tongue surface. It can be confused with aphthae that occurs in the tongue and can be confused with aphthae in the beginning, but it is vital for early diagnosis to consult a doctor before it is too late if it does not heal.
Causes of Tongue Cancer
Alcohol and smoking are among the most important factors. Especially in cases where oral hygiene is at the beginning of the neglected factors, an increase in the frequency of cancer has been detected. One of the most important factors is the continuous trauma to the tongue or gums as a result of the friction of the prostheses made in the dental department to the tongue and neighboring structures, causing tumor formation in this region. Aging is also a risk factor for cancer itself. Especially in infectious infectious diseases such as sexually transmitted HPV virus and syphilis, the frequency of tongue and mouth cancers has increased. The frequency of cancer in the tongue and mouth region increases in people who are genetically predisposed to cancer and people with a weak immune system. It can be seen again as a result of cancers in other parts of your body metastasizing here.
What are the Symptoms of Tongue Cancer?
The most important symptom of tongue cancer is non-healing wounds. Persistent sore throat, swallowing problem, difficulty in speaking are also among the symptoms that can be seen in tongue cancer.
Pain in the ear, swelling in the neck area, difficulties in chewing, bleeding from the saliva and poor oral hygiene can be counted among the other symptoms seen in tongue cancer.
Definitive Diagnosis and Diagnosis
The definitive diagnosis in tongue cancer is determined by biopsy from the suspicious area. In case my doctor suspects cancer, it is recommended to take a biopsy for early diagnosis before it is too late. Particular care should be taken in the presence of patient risk factors. Of course, current diagnostic methods such as tomography, MRI and PET can be used for diagnosis. However, biopsy is a must.
Treatment in tongue cancer
When the tongue cancer is diagnosed, the best treatment option for early stage tumors is surgery. In advanced stage tumors, that is, in cases where the disease has spread to other organs, neck and neighboring structures, chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be used as the first choice. In case of recurrence of the disease, the surgical option may be activated again.
With early diagnosis, partial surgery can be performed on the tongue by preserving the tongue functions and the disease can be completely treated, however, in the future, it may be necessary to remove the entire tongue and replace it with a touch from other organs. It can be supported with medication and radiation therapy as a complementary treatment.
Prof.Dr.Yavuz Selim Yıldırım said, “Before getting tongue cancer, possible factors, especially alcohol and cigarettes, should be avoided, viruses such as HPV 16-18 should be treated, it is much more important to re-make rubbing and impacting prostheses, remove piercings stuck in the tongue, and maintain oral hygiene. "said.