Avoid smoking and visit a dental clinic for regular oral examinations
Tongue cancer, which is cancer of the tongue, is an unfamiliar disease to the general public. Tongue cancer is a type of oral cancer, and oral cancer refers to malignant tumors that occur in the tongue, buccal mucosa, gums, palate, lips, and jawbone.
Among them, tongue cancer is a rare cancer that accounts for only 0.4% of all cancers, but accounts for regarding 30% of oral cancers. In particular, ‘squamous cell carcinoma’ that occurs on the tongue surface and can be observed with the naked eye accounts for more than 85%, so it is most important to diagnose tongue cancer in its early stages through treatment by an experienced specialist.
Seoul National University Dental Hospital Oral Medicine Professor Park Hee-kyung and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Professor Kwon Ik-jae decided to find out regarding tongue cancer. [편집자 주]
Tongue cancer mainly occurred in people in their 50s or older, but recently the incidence has increased in young women in their 40s and younger, and it can also occur in their 20s.
Tongue cancer is known to be caused by a combination of various factors. In addition to tobacco and alcohol, DNA mutations due to old age and chronic irritation due to poor oral hygiene are also cited as causes. Recently, there have been cases of human papillomavirus (HPV). Lifestyle habits such as frequent intake of burnt food, spicy and salty stimulating food, and hot food over 70 degrees can also be seen as risk factors for tongue cancer.
Professor Park Hee-kyung said, “In addition, vitiligo, erythema, proliferative pancreatic vitiligo, oral lichen planus, oral lichenoid mucositis, and oral graft versus host disease that may occur following bone marrow transplantation as a treatment for hematological cancer are It is known as a potential symptom with a high risk of oral cancer,” he said. “After a diagnosis such as mucositis, it is important to actively treat the area where it occurs, and it is necessary to confirm malignancy through a biopsy.”
If tongue cancer is diagnosed and treated early, most of the functions of the tongue can be preserved and the cure rate increases. If detected early, the cure rate is 80 to 90%, but if it is detected at a certain stage or more, the survival rate drops to less than 20%.
Professor Kwon Ik-jae said, “It is not easy to distinguish tongue cancer from stomatitis in the early stages, but in the case of stomatitis, if the cause is removed and appropriate inflammatory treatment is administered, it will recover within 2 to 3 weeks, whereas tongue cancer does not recover over time.” In the case of stomatitis (ulcer) that persists in only one part of the tongue, the possibility of tongue cancer cannot be ruled out, so a checkup is recommended.”
In tongue cancer, wounds with red periphery may appear in the early stages, and in advanced tongue cancer, pain, bad breath, bleeding, and paresthesia may occur.
The most reliable method for diagnosing tongue cancer is to perform a biopsy by removing the abnormal area and confirming it under a microscope. The biopsy takes regarding 10 minutes and does not interfere with eating or daily life following the examination.
Tongue cancer treatment, like other oral cancers, is performed with an appropriate combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. If the area can be resected, surgical resection is performed first. As the tongue is functionally important, appropriate reconstructive surgery follows following excision. For tongue cancer that has progressed beyond a certain stage, when significant loss of function of the tongue is expected or when there is metastasis, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be preceded.
Smoking cessation and alcohol abstinence are the most important factors in preventing tongue cancer. In particular, smoking is known to more than double the risk of tongue cancer. In addition, it is good to replace prosthetics or dentures that do not fit well and cause severe irritation. It is necessary to refrain from a highly stimulating diet, and especially to be careful of burnt food.
Professor Park Hee-kyung said, “Every time I see a patient with a lump that is large enough to be diagnosed with cancer with the naked eye, I feel very sad and wonder, ‘What if it had been found and treated sooner?'” I recommend that you visit the hospital and get tested.”
Professor Kwon Ik-jae emphasized, “Above all, it is important to carefully observe the oral condition and manage oral health by checking for abnormalities in the oral cavity through regular dental examinations at least once a year.”
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