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.



 

 ## Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

  department###  [Head and Neck Cancer Program](/departments/cancer-center/head-and-neck-cancer-program) 

 A program within the Cancer Center providing diagnosis and treatment for head and neck cancers, including early-stage, recurrent, and aggressive disease, with coordinated care to … 

 

 

  department###  [Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Oncology](/departments/cancer-center/head-and-neck-cancer-program/oral-maxillofacial-surgery-oncology) 

 A program within the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery providing diagnosis and treatment for oral cancers, including lip, tongue, gum, cheek, and salivary gland cancers. 

 

 

  department###  [Radiation Oncology](/departments/radiation-oncology) 

 An oncology department using advanced radiation therapy to treat cancer, with personalized planning and care to target tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. 

 

 

  department###  [Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery](/departments/oral-and-maxillofacial-surgery) 

 A program within the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery providing oral surgery and jaw surgery for conditions affecting the head, neck, face, and jaw, including trauma, … 

 

 

  department###  [Maxillofacial Prosthodontics and Oral Oncology Clinic](/departments/cancer-center/head-and-neck-cancer-program/maxillofacial-prosthodontics-and-oral-oncology-clinic) 

 A clinic within the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery providing prosthodontics and maxillofacial surgery care, including oral oncology services to restore oral function…