Tongue cancer

The oral cavity and oropharynx contain several types of tissue and each of these tissues contains several types of cells. Different cancers can develop from each kind of cell. The differences are important, because they influence treatment options and outlook for recovery.

More than 90% of cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx are squamous cell carcinomas, also called squamous cell cancer. Squamous cell cancer begins as a collection of abnormal squamous cells. The earliest form of squamous cell cancer is called carcinoma in situ meaning that the cancer cells are present only in the lining layer of cells called the epithelium. Invasive squamous cells cancer means that the cancer cells have spread beyond this layer into deeper layers of the oral cavity or oropharynx.

Oral cancer represents only about 3% of all cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually in the United States with about 20,000 cases occurring in men and 10,000 in women. Although the exact cause of tongue cancer remains unknown, it most often occurs in people who use tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco).

Treatments for tongue cancer are based on the stage (extent of spread) of the disease and may involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. These treatments may be used in combination. A speech therapist will usually be involved in helping patients improve speech function and swallowing capabilities following surgical or radiation treatments. A nutritionist can also be very helpful to ensure optimal nutritional and caloric intake that is vital to recovery from cancer and maintain overall good health.