The development of tongue cancer occurs when cells on the tongue start to grow uncontrollably, until they form a tumor. The squamous cells which cover the tongue surface serve as the starting point for this cancer development. Doctors classify this cancer as an oral, head, neck cancer subtype. The medical field divides this condition into two conditions, which include oral tongue cancer that affects the front two-thirds of the tongue, and oropharyngeal cancer that occurs at the base. The main risk factors for developing this condition include tobacco consumption, heavy alcohol drinking, HPV infection and inadequate oral hygiene practices. People tend to dismiss early symptoms because they resemble canker sores or mouth infections. However, The United States sees 18,000 new cases of this condition each year, while men aged 50 and above face the highest risk. The survival rate for small tumors reaches 90 percent when doctors detect the condition at its initial stage. Let’s examine its symptoms..
