Everything you need to know about sublingual cancer, including ‘oral floor cancer’ and ‘tongue cancer’
‘Oral cancer’ is a cancer that starts in the mouth, and can occur anywhere in the mouth, including under the tongue. Among them, cancer under the tongue is not easy to find, so you should remember the symptoms in advance and visit a specialist immediately when it occurs. Based on information from the American health media outlet HealthLine, we will learn about the types of cancer that can occur under the tongue, symptoms to watch out for, etc.
Tongue cancer and oral cancer that can occur under the tongue
Cancers that can occur under the tongue can be broadly divided into two types: tongue cancer and oral cancer. Tongue cancer is a type of oral cancer that affects the front two-thirds of the tongue. If cancer occurs at the back of the tongue, it is classified as oropharyngeal cancer. The tongue is one of the sites where oral cancer frequently occurs, and according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), after 2024, it is expected that there will be about 19,360 new patients diagnosed with tongue cancer in the United States.
There is also oral floor cancer. Oral floor cancer is a cancer that develops in the tissue under the tongue. This area is called the oral floor, and refers to the bottom of the tongue. The oral floor is one of the areas where oral cancer frequently occurs. According to a 2020 study, about 33.8% of oral cancer patients had oral floor cancer, and tongue cancer was the next most common at 30.8%.
If red or white spots persist for a long time, you should be suspicious.
There are various symptoms that can occur when cancer occurs under the tongue. First, there is a lesion that does not disappear for several weeks. This lesion may feel like a lump. It may also appear as a red or white spot, or as an ulcer or wound. You may also experience unexplained bleeding or numbness in your mouth.
You may also feel pain or difficulty moving your tongue, speaking, or swallowing. These symptoms may become worse as the cancer progresses. If the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in your neck, swelling may occur, and a lump may be felt when you touch your neck.
Cancer under the tongue occurs when cells in that area multiply uncontrollably. This is due to changes in the DNA that controls cell growth and division. These changes can be congenital, but they can also occur later in life. Most oral cancers, tongue cancers, and oral cavity cancers are a type of cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, which develops in the flat cells that line the tissues inside the mouth. The exact cause of oral cancer is still unknown, but there are several major risk factors.
Smoking and drinking are risk factors
The major risk factors for tongue cancer and oral cavity cancer include smoking, chewing tobacco products, and excessive alcohol consumption. People who smoke and drink alcohol are 30 times more likely to develop cancer than those who do not. In addition, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, older age, and being male may also increase the risk of developing cancer under the tongue.
Treatment with surgery and chemotherapy
Treatment for cancer under the tongue varies depending on the location of the cancer, the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, the patient’s age, and the patient’s overall health. In general, the main treatment for tongue cancer and oral cancer is ‘surgery’. If the cancer has spread to more distant parts, additional treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy may be used.
If you have any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, you should see a doctor right away: persistent lumps, ulcers, or sores under your tongue; unexplained bleeding or numbness in your mouth; or pain when you move your tongue, speak, or swallow.
What other conditions can occur under the tongue?
A lesion under the tongue does not necessarily mean cancer. There are many noncancerous conditions that can occur under the tongue, such as oral injuries, glossitis, stomatitis, oral herpes, oral candidiasis, cysts, flat papillomas, and genital warts. Precancerous conditions such as vitiligo and erythroplakia can also cause lesions under the tongue. These can develop into cancer over time, so caution is required.
Cancer under the tongue can spread to the lymph nodes, and the most common site of oral cancer metastasis is the lungs. It can also metastasize to the liver and bones. Cancer under the tongue can be treated if it is found early. When the cancer is in the early stages, when it has not yet spread to surrounding tissues, it can be completely removed with surgery and radiation therapy, so it is most important to check the symptoms and perform prompt treatment.
Source: kormedi.com
