As a result of a survey conducted in UK, it is found that more than 5,000 people suffer from tongue cancer every year. Tongue cancer is more common in the people having age above 45years. In tongue cancer, the cancer cells are found in the tissue of the mouth or lips. It is more common in men than women. People who are habitual of heavy smoking and people having light colored skin are more prone to oral cancer. People who are more expose to the sun are also more likely to develop tongue cancer. Best part of tongue or oral cancer is that it can cured easily if found at an early stage. Tongue cancer is also known as mouth or oral cancer.

The tongue is divided in 2 parts- the front one (the oral tongue) and the back one (the base of the tongue). Cancer can be developed at either. Front part is that part which can be seen easily when you poke your tongue out to someone. Cancer developed in the front two-third part of the tongue is known as oral or mouth cancer and the one developed in the back one third part of the tongue is known as oropharyngeal cancer. The one-third part which is at the back of the tongue is very close to the throat, the pharynx.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of tongue cancer, which is caused in the lining of the mouth, nose, throat, thyroid and larynx. The flat, skin-like cells found in these linings are known as squamous cells.

Tongue cancer symptoms are not easily detected at an early stage as most of them cause no pain. Most common symptoms of tongue cancer include a red or white patch on the lips, tongue, lining of the mouth or gums. A lump may appear in the neck or throat which may cause difficulty in chewing or swallowing food. Pain in the ear or a change in the voice may be experienced due to tongue cancer. Pain or soreness can be found in the throat which is not going away for a long time.

Unexplained bleeding from the mouth can be seen as the consequence of the tongue cancer symptoms. Loose teeth and tooth decay may be the caused due to its infection. As the nerves of the face are all connected to each other, infection caused in any one part of it results in infection in other parts also. The power of smelling and hearing also weakens. As the tongue cancer spreads to various parts of the face, the pain in the ear increases gradually. As tongue cancer symptoms, Numbness in the mouth can be felt. If you find any of the above mentioned symptoms in your body, you must consult to the ENT (Ear, Nose and Tongue) specialist immediately for further checkup and treatment.