Answer:

Tongue cancer develops when cells on the tongue's surface grow uncontrollably and become malignant. In its early stages, it often manifests as a small, persistent sore that hinders eating and daily activities. As the cancer spreads to the throat area, pain may occur in the jaw and throat, intensifying when eating, chewing, or speaking, sometimes radiating to the ear.

In advanced stages, swallowing becomes difficult and painful due to tumor growth, restricting jaw movement and affecting speech. In late stages, the tongue may stiffen, severely impacting quality of life and potentially leading to death.

Doctor Si advises a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

A tumor on the tongue, a common sign of tongue cancer, usually appears in later stages. The lesion presents as a hard patch raised above the tongue's surface. Patients often experience significant weight loss due to pain and difficulty eating. Metastasis can spread cancer cells to lymph nodes under the chin, jaw, or neck, on one or both sides. These enlarged nodes can compress airways and major blood vessels, causing breathing difficulties, headaches, and impacting overall health.

If your symptoms are persistent and frequent, consult a doctor to determine the cause and receive prompt treatment. Regular self-examination of the tongue and routine check-ups can help detect abnormalities, increasing the chances of early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Master, Doctor Nguyen Tien Si

Oncology Department

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM