Tongue cancer is one of the oral (oral) cancers. Just like in other types of cancer, it occurs when cells multiply out of control. Tongue cancer is a type of cancer that can be diagnosed more easily because it is found in the anterior and open region than other head and neck cancers.
In the first period, at the request of the patient to the doctor with complaints, a visual examination is performed, called a standard inspection. If cancer is suspected in this region, the spread of the disease is investigated as in any cancer.
Tongue cancer usually develops in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that line the surface of the tongue. Tongue cancer manifests as sores, sores, or white spots on the tongue. While it may seem like a simple wound at first glance, it can turn into cancer in cases that don’t go away for a long time.
What are the stages of tongue cancer?
When we approach it scientifically, this type of cancer has different approaches. The diagnosis of tongue cancer is first made with suspicion. Tongue cancer can come to mind when the doctor sees persistent tongue pain, swelling and restriction of movement in the patient. If in doubt, the first thing to do is take a piece from that diseased area. The piece taken is examined by pathologists and then a diagnosis is made. Diagnosis will reveal the presence of cancerous tissue in the tongue in the first stage. However, this is not enough: when it comes to cancer, it is necessary to understand the extent of the cancer in the tongue, whether it has spread to the neck tissues and whether it has spread to distant tissues. Spread of tongue cancer based on its size is also important.
HOW ARE THE TREATMENT METHODS IN TONGUE CANCER?
Tongue Cancer Treatment Options The general state of health of the patient varies according to the type and stage of the tumor. Early diagnosis is very important in terms of survival and comfort of life in tumors of the tongue.
For minor tumors of the tongue, surgical removal of the tumor is usually the only treatment needed. However, depending on the stage of the cancer and the results of the radiological examination, neck dissection, surgical removal of affected or possibly affected lymph nodes in the neck may be necessary.
Radiation therapy is often used alongside chemotherapy or before/after surgery to stop the proliferation of cancer cells
