Most tongue cancers begin in the cells that cover the surfaces of your tongue. Tests to diagnose oral cancer include a physical exam, endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging tests.
Symptoms
- White or red patches in your mouth
- A mouth sore that won't heal
- Bleeding in your mouth
- Problems or pain with swallowing
Treatment
Treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Some patients have a combination of treatments.
Risk Factors
The risk of developing tongue cancer is higher if you are male, use tobacco, drink lots of alcohol, have HPV, or have a history of head or neck cancer.