Question 1

is tongue cancer a 'bad' cancer?

Accepted Answer

1-2-3: Cancer involving an important organ is always important. The tongue is important for speech and eating. How bad depends on 1) diagnosis (type of cancer), 2) stage/prognosis and location in tongue, 3) treatment -- depends on 1 & 2.

Question 2

how to tell if i have tongue cancer?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms: Tongue cancer is separated anatomically anteriorly (front portion) within the oral cavity, and posteriorly base of tongue (back portion) within the oropharynx. Males, >40, smoke or chew tobacco, alcohol, chronic oral sores, poor dental hygiene are at highest risk. Any abnormality on the tongue should be evaluated and if required biopsied. Early detection leads to high cure rates. Cancer.Gov.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of tongue cancer?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes none: You may not have any outward symptoms (pain, redness, swelling), but a lesion that does not heal after two weeks should be examined and evaluated. You may not even be able to see every nook and cranny in your mouth, so that's why it's best to have your dentist take a look.

Question 4

what to do if i'm convinced i have tongue cancer?

Accepted Answer

Examination: If you feel there is something abnormal with your tongue you need to be examined by an oral &maxillofacial surgeon or a dentist that feels comfortable doing a thorough head and neck examination.

Question 5

what are early signs of tongue cancer?

Accepted Answer

Ulcer: Unfortunately there aren't gray early signs.  We look for white patches on the tongue, but there are many white areas, so this isn't helpful for the layperson.  Ulcers, pain and/or bleeding may be signs.

Question 6

what is the survival rate for tongue cancer ?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Survival of tongue cancer, as in all cancers, depends upon the stage and the treatment administered, as well as the underlying health of the person with the cancer.

Question 7

can biting your tongue lead to tongue cancer?

Accepted Answer

Highly unlikely: Chronic irritation can lead to cancerous transformation in the oral cavity - it is very unlikely. But biting your tongue should not lead to cancer.

Question 8

how much tobacco must you smoke to get tongue cancer?

Accepted Answer

Not Known, so Stop!: Tobacco causes cancer.  How much and when we don't know.  Not only do different people have different body types and differing resistance, but other factors also are important.  For example, alcohol consumption also adds to the risk of oral cancer.   Don't take a chance, don't use tobacco!

Question 9

is alcohol considered appropriate after tongue cancer?

Accepted Answer

No: I would tell you to avoid it completely.  Tongue cancers are associated with papilloma virus, tobacco use (smoking, chewing), poor dental hygiene, poor nutrition, some vitamin deficiencies, other topical irritants and alcohol!

Question 10

does cigarette smoke put you at risk for tongue cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Smoking can cause number of cancers including mouth cancer.

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Orange tongue cancer

A member asked:

Is tongue cancer a 'bad' cancer?

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How to tell if i have tongue cancer?

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What are the symptoms of tongue cancer?

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What to do if i'm convinced i have tongue cancer?

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What are early signs of tongue cancer?

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What is the survival rate for tongue cancer ?

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Can biting your tongue lead to tongue cancer?

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How much tobacco must you smoke to get tongue cancer?

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Is alcohol considered appropriate after tongue cancer?

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Does cigarette smoke put you at risk for tongue cancer?

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