Ms. Hong, who has a history of glossitis (tongue inflammation), experienced a recurrence one month ago. She visited Tam Anh General Clinic District 7 for examination. Doctor Tran Xuan Nguyen, an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist, examined her and performed an endoscopy, noting an ulcer on Ms. Hong's tongue with white patches and congestion.

Doctor Nguyen assessed that this might not be ordinary glossitis, given its repeated recurrences and poor response to previous treatments. Clinically, the lesion did not yet warrant a biopsy. Therefore, the doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory medication for one week and scheduled a follow-up appointment to evaluate improvement.

After one week, Ms. Hong reported reduced throat irritation, fewer white patches, and less difficulty swallowing. However, the lesion along the edge of her tongue remained irritated and had not fully healed. Doctor Nguyen then ordered a biopsy, which revealed high-grade squamous cell epithelial dysplasia—a condition where squamous cells in the tongue's mucous membrane undergo abnormal changes in shape and size, also known as dysplasia. Squamous cell epithelial dysplasia is a precancerous lesion with a high risk of progressing to cancer.

Doctor Nguyen performs a throat endoscopy for Ms. Hong. Photo: Tam Anh General Clinic District 7

Professor Doctor Tran Phan Chung Thuy, Director of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, surgically removed the abnormally changing tissue from the patient's left tongue. Pathological analysis confirmed the tissue on the left tongue as high-grade squamous cell epithelial dysplasia, measuring 1.3 cm. The basal cell layer showed hyperplasia exceeding one-half of the epithelial thickness, accompanied by abnormal keratinization. The surgical margins were negative, indicating no remaining dysplastic cells.

Post-surgery, Ms. Hong recovered well, resumed normal eating and daily activities, and was discharged after three days. Thanks to the early detection and intervention at the precancerous stage, the treatment was not complex and minimally invasive.

Professor Chung Thuy (left) performs surgery on Ms. Hong. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

According to Professor Chung Thuy, the earlier tongue cancer is detected, the simpler the treatment and the less impact it has on the patient's chewing, eating, and speech functions. However, in its early stages, the disease often progresses silently with non-specific symptoms. Ulcers, white patches, and a burning sensation on the tongue, similar to Ms. Hong's symptoms, can easily be mistaken for common canker sores or mouth ulcers and may be overlooked.

If tongue inflammation caused by canker sores or irritation does not improve after two weeks, or if symptoms are persistent, pain increases, swallowing becomes painful or difficult, or there is numbness or loss of sensation in the tongue, patients should seek early consultation with an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist and not self-treat.

Uyen Trinh