Tongue cancer most often begins in the cells that cover the surface of the tongue.
Tongue cancer is usually found on the side and front of the tongue, where it is more likely to be seen and felt. Because it is diagnosed earlier for this reason, it can be treated more easily with surgery. By contrast, cancer that develops at the back of the tongue, which we call the base of the tongue, is usually diagnosed at a more advanced stage, once it has grown and spread to the lymph nodes in the neck.
One of the first signs of tongue cancer is a lump or sore on the side of your tongue that does not go away. It may be pinkish-red in colour. Sometimes it hurts and bleeds if you touch or bite it. Other symptoms may include pain in or near your tongue, difficulty swallowing and a change in your voice. However, if the problem is at the back of the tongue, you may not notice any symptoms. Your dentist may also spot signs of tongue cancer during an examination and alert you.
If you have a sore on your tongue or in your mouth that does not heal within a few weeks, you must see an ENT doctor.
Dental trauma is foremost among the conditions that cause tongue cancer. Rough teeth constantly knocking against the side edges of the tongue is one of the most common causes. Other causes of tongue cancer include the human papillomavirus (HPV), smoking and alcohol use.