Tongue & Oral Cavity Cancers
Gum and Inner Cheek Cancer
Non-healing sores, bleeding or firmness of the gums and cheek lining deserve assessment. Your dentist is often the first to notice.
How does tongue cancer arise?
Tongue cancer usually begins in the cells covering the tongue's surface, most often on the side and front, where it can be seen and felt and is therefore caught earlier. Cancers of the tongue base tend to be diagnosed later, often once they have spread to the neck lymph nodes.
One of the first signs is a lump or sore on the side of the tongue that will not disappear. It can look pinkish red, and it may hurt or bleed when touched or bitten. Dental trauma leads the list of causes: rough teeth rubbing constantly against the edge of the tongue is among the most common. HPV, smoking and alcohol are the other main factors. Your dentist may well be the first to notice.
Read the full Tongue & Oral Cavity Cancers guide
Frequently asked questions
No. Aphthous ulcers and irritation sores are far more common. The test is time: any sore that has not healed within a few weeks should be seen by an ENT specialist.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız, Professor of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery — August 2026 · About
Outcomes of surgical and medical procedures vary from person to person; please consult your physician for an assessment specific to you.
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