Where to go if you think you have tongue cancer?

If your doctor or dentist feels you may have mouth cancer, you may be referred to a dentist who specializes in diseases of the gums and related tissue in the mouth (periodontist) or to a doctor who specializes in diseases that affect the ears, nose and throat (otolaryngologist).

Who do I see if I suspect tongue cancer?

Complete head and neck exam

If there is a reason to think you might have cancer, your doctor will refer you to a specialist. These specialists are oral and maxillofacial surgeons or head and neck surgeons. They are also known as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors or otolaryngologists.

What to do if you think you have tongue cancer?

Surgery is often the best way to remove a tumor from the part of your tongue you can see. Your doctor will probably take out some healthy tissue and nearby lymph nodes as well, to make sure all the cancer is gone. If the cancer is on the back of your tongue, you may have radiation therapy (X-rays and other radiation).

Can a doctor diagnose tongue cancer?

If you have symptoms of mouth cancer, a GP or dentist will do a physical examination and ask about your symptoms. Early detection can boost your chance of survival from 50% to 90%.

What does Stage 1 tongue cancer look like?

The most common early symptom of tongue cancer is a sore on your tongue that doesn't heal and that bleeds easily. You might also notice mouth or tongue pain. Other symptoms of tongue cancer include: a red or white patch on your tongue that persists.

Finding and Removing Tongue Cancer

Is tongue cancer fast spreading?

Most oral cancers are a type called squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers tend to spread quickly.

Is tongue cancer curable?

Tongue cancer is highly curable when it is detected early, but it can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Over time, it may spread to other sites in the mouth, other areas of the head and neck, or other parts of the body.

What doctor do you see for tongue issues?

For tongue lesions such as changes in color, growths, or texture changes, an oral surgeon or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist, also known as an ENT specialist) can evaluate the area, perform a biopsy, and follow up or refer for appropriate treatment such as surgery or medication.

What is the average age for tongue cancer?

Tongue cancer is most common in men over age 60. It is rare in people, particularly women, under age 40.

Where does tongue cancer spread to first?

The most common sites where mouth and oropharyngeal cancer spread to include: the lymph nodes in the neck. the bones. the lungs.

Can a dentist detect tongue cancer?

Exams of the mouth and finding oral cancer early. There's no routine screening test or program for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers. Still, many pre-cancers and cancers in these areas can be found early (when they're small) during routine oral exams by a dentist, doctor, dental hygienist, or by self-exam.

Can tongue cancer be removed?

Glossectomy may be needed to treat cancer of the tongue. For smaller cancers, only part of the tongue (less than 1/3) may need to be removed (partial glossectomy). For larger cancers, the entire tongue may need to be removed (total glossectomy).

What is the survival rate for tongue cancer?

In general, early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes. For tongue cancer, the NCI calculates the five-year relative survival rate as 82.9 percent for localized, 69.4 percent for regional and 41 percent for distant, with a combined rate of 68.1 percent for all stages.

What does mild tongue cancer look like?

The symptoms of tongue cancer might include: a red or white patch on the tongue that won't go away. a sore throat that doesn't go away. a sore spot (ulcer) or lump on the tongue that doesn't go away.

How painful is a tongue biopsy?

Your tongue is very sensitive so a needle biopsy may be uncomfortable even when numbing medicine is used. Your tongue can be tender or sore, and it may feel slightly swollen after the biopsy. You may have stitches or an open sore where the biopsy was done.

How does tongue cancer start symptoms?

unexplained, persistent numbness or an odd feeling on the lip or tongue. sometimes, white or red patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue These can be early signs of cancer, so they should also be checked. changes in speech, such as a lisp.

What is Stage 0 tongue cancer?

Stage 0: A stage 0 oral cancer tumor means the cancer is only growing in the epithelium, the outermost layer of tissue in the oral cavity or oropharynx. No cancer cells are present in deeper layers of tissue, nearby structures, lymph nodes or distant sites (carcinoma in situ).

How do you catch tongue cancer?

When should I worry about my tongue?

When a tongue is unhealthy. One of the first noticeable symptoms of an unhealthy tongue is a significant change in color from the normal pink shade you're used to seeing. Other signs of concern can include pain when eating, drinking, and swallowing, as well as new lumps and bumps.

What kind of doctor does tongue biopsy?

The first thing you should know is that the test is commonly performed by either an oral surgeon or a periodontist. However, a dentist too can do a dental biopsy. After sterilizing the target area, your dentist with numb your mouth. Sedation dentistry is often part of mouth biopsies, particularly tongue biopsies.

Do dentists treat tongues?

Depending on the condition, dentists may also be involved in the treatment by fitting treatment appliances or teaching tongue exercises. Yes, today's dentist cares for more than just your teeth and gums. More and more they coordinate with your primary care physician and specialists.

How long are you in the hospital with tongue cancer?

If surgeons remove a small tumor in the front of the mouth, your hospital stay may be a day or two. During this time, our doctors monitor your health and manage any pain or discomfort with medication. If more extensive surgery and reconstruction are required, your hospital stay may be several days or longer.

How do doctors treat tongue cancer?

Surgery is the most common treatment for cancers of the tongue. If the cancer is more advanced, radiation, chemotherapy, or both may be used to shrink the tumor before or after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

What happens if you leave tongue cancer untreated?

Left untreated, oral cancer can spread throughout your mouth and throat to other areas of your head and neck.

What does Stage 1 mouth cancer look like?

In the early stages, mouth cancer rarely causes any pain. Abnormal cell growth usually appears as flat patches. A canker sore looks like an ulcer, usually with a depression in the center. The middle of the canker sore may appear white, gray, or yellow, and the edges are red.