Neuralgia

Fibroma of the lateral surface of the tongue. What symptoms can you use to recognize a tongue tumor? What are Benign Tongue Tumors?

Something is bothering you in your mouth. Some kind of ball. You constantly touch it with your tongue, bite it with your teeth. In general, this results in an additional wound in the mouth. But it doesn’t seem to hurt and the visit to the dentist is postponed. This can last for years, until a neoplasm on the oral mucosa begins to interfere with living and eating.

The dentist sent me to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He diagnosed a wen in the mouth. Nothing seems pleasant, but there is an operation ahead!

Causes and symptoms

What is a wen? This is a benign neoplasm consisting of unchanged adipose tissue enclosed in a capsule. Although the contents of lipomas and ordinary fat deposits are similar, the metabolic processes in the tissues proceed differently. Therefore, with sudden weight loss, ordinary fat deposits disappear, but fat deposits remain unchanged.

Growths in the oral cavity are characterized by slow growth and nodular consistency. To the touch, the neoplasm is soft, mobile and painless. The color of the wen is pink or yellowish, the size can reach 3 cm in diameter. Sometimes the formations have a stalk.

Wen are located on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, in the throat, transitional fold of the gums or lip. It is extremely rarely diagnosed in the upper palate.

The majority of patients with oral lipomas are young people over 30 years of age. Such neoplasms are not diagnosed in children.

Types of oral lipomas:

vulgar - the usual convex wen;
patchwork - does not rise above the mucous membrane, but grows deep into the tissues.

The reasons for the appearance of unpleasant vegetation are unknown to science. But there are a number of factors that can trigger the appearance of a tumor:

Injuries to the cheek mucosa due to malocclusion, haste during the process of chewing food, and improper positioning of teeth.
Hereditary factor.
Endocrine diseases – thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus.
Metabolic disease.
Toxic lesions.
Living in environmentally unfavorable conditions, having bad habits.

The symptoms of lipomatosis depend on the location of the growth:

feeling of swelling in the mouth;
balls in the cheek, tongue, gum;
painlessness of the tumor in the absence of an inflammatory process;
the tumor is soft and pliable, rolling under the fingers;
difficulty eating;
a wen on the gum of an adult or child does not give additional symptoms when biting on a tooth in the projection of the neoplasm. The tooth does not wobble and does not react to changes in temperature, the gums do not bleed;
when located on the throat - a feeling of a lump, discomfort when making swallowing movements, the voice disappears, breathing is difficult, shortness of breath appears.

Lipomas should be differentiated from dental diseases, gumboils, gum pathologies, and oral cancer.

Features of wen on the gums

When tumors appear on the gums, it is necessary to undergo a high-quality examination. Wen in this area resemble white flat plaques.

They are easily confused with the following pathologies:

candidiasis or dysbacteriosis of the oral cavity;
stomatitis of various etiologies;
wound surfaces;
oral carcinomas;
flux;
cysts;
burns after teeth whitening.

In an adult, a lipoma fits tightly to the gum. But it rises above it as a white tubercle, does not cause concern, can remain in a stable state for a long time and not cause concern to the owner.

When it grows, it injures gum tissue, the root system of nearby teeth, and disrupts blood circulation in this area of the oral cavity, so people get rid of it.

Features of lipomas in the throat

This type of wen is extremely rare. In appearance, throat lipomas are blue-colored neoplasms with a smooth, and in rare cases, lobular structure.

A typical sign of a lump in the larynx is difficulty breathing. There is no change in the sound of the voice. Additional symptoms depend on size and location.

Only a histological examination of the removed tissue can give a clear answer about the type of growth in the larynx.

What to do and which doctor to contact

If a white tumor appears in the oral cavity, and even if it does not cause you concern or interfere with your life, you should consult a doctor.

Which doctor deals with lipomas in the oral cavity and larynx? Diagnosis and treatment of growths in the mouth is the specialization of a dentist, maxillofacial surgeon, and otolaryngologist.

Any of these doctors can examine and make a preliminary diagnosis. But the treatment will be carried out:

lipoma on the gum, cheek, tongue, upper palate - dental surgeon;
lipoma in the larynx, pylorus of the larynx - ENT doctor.

If a suspicious tumor appears in the baby’s mouth, you should visit a pediatrician immediately.

How to get rid

The choice of methods for removing wen in the oral cavity is small. The dental surgeon will suggest either using laser units or open surgery.

All procedures are performed under local anesthesia. Only small growths are removed using a laser. All others use only classical invasive intervention.

The procedure does not require special preparation. For small tumors, hospitalization in a hospital is not required. Otherwise, the patient must be in the maxillofacial department of the medical institution. The manipulation is carried out in several stages:

administration of anesthetic;
incision on the mucous membrane;
removal of lipid contents and wen capsule;
suturing the incision.

After the procedure, the doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to treat the oral cavity. The removed tissue will be sent for histological examination.

If a lipoma is diagnosed in the larynx, the pylorus of the larynx, then surgical intervention is performed only in a hospital setting. Otolaryngologists are involved in removing lipomas in this part of the oral cavity.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia through the mouth. Before the manipulation, it is forbidden to eat, drink, or smoke.

Is it possible to remove wen in the mouth and throat?

Any neoplasms in the oral cavity should be gotten rid of, since, otherwise, the lipoma begins to compress nearby tissues and interfere with the process of chewing food. Which has a bad effect on the functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract system. And when located in the larynx, it interferes with the breathing process.

In adult patients, lipoma removal is mandatory. In children - depending on the age and size of the tumor. Large ones must be removed regardless of age. Wen, which are located in the larynx and can cause respiratory arrest, should also be removed regardless of the child’s age.

Wen in infants is not removed, but observed. After teething, growths in babies of the first year of life, as a rule, resolve on their own.

There is no need to search on the Internet or medical literature for how to get rid of wen in the mouth or gums on your own. In addition, a lipoma in the oral cavity or larynx can easily be confused with a malignant neoplasm. Moreover, do not experiment with the health of your own baby.

Contact your dentist or ENT doctor. Get examined. Remove the tumor, wait for the histology results and enjoy life and delicious culinary delights.

Benign tumors of the tongue are formations that form from various cells and tissues of the tongue:

epithelial;
nervous;
fat;
muscular;
lymphatic, blood vessels;
rudiments of other structures located in the tongue due to impaired embryogenesis.

In comparison with other tumor formations of the oral cavity, tongue formations are less common. They are classified into two broad categories: epithelial and non-epithelial. Common to all forms of tongue formations are slow growth, lack of growth into tissues, minimal risk of metastasis, but most of them carry the possibility of malignancy at any time. This is due to the mobility of the organ and its participation in chewing food and talking, which leads to constant injury to the area affected by the tumor.

Tumors of the tongue are often combined with other pathologies, and in children - with a violation of embryogenesis.

Types of benign tumors of the tongue

Due to the involvement of various tissues and structures of the tongue in the process of tumor formation, as well as the presence of atypical cells due to impaired embryogenesis, there is a wide variety of forms of benign tumors of the tongue.

Papilloma. It is formed from epithelial tissue, namely from the stratified squamous epithelium of the tongue mucosa. Most often observed on the tip and back of the organ. The formation is represented by multiple or single tumors of various sizes (rarely large), which have a round or slightly elongated shape. The color of the papilloma can be pale pink, but the appearance of keratosis indicates malignancy of the formation.
Adenoma. It is formed by glandular tissue, cystadenomas are formed at the tip of the tongue, and polyps from heterotopic gastric mucosa can be observed in the root area.
Botriomyxoma. It has a flat or spherical shape, sometimes represented by several lobes. At the beginning of its formation, it is characterized by a red color; over time, botryomyxoma becomes brown. It reaches quite large sizes (up to several centimeters), the surface can be either coarse-grained or smooth, and becomes covered with crusts over time. It is provoked by injuries, cracks of the tongue, namely the penetration of pyogenic bacteria deep into the tissues.
Fibroma. It originates from connective tissue and looks like a round tumor with an elastic structure. It may have a stalk, the color does not differ from the healthy surrounding mucosa, in some cases it may acquire a whitish, yellow tint.
Retention cyst. It is of glandular origin - formed from the glands of the superficial muscular layer of the tongue. It is localized on the lower surface of the organ, in the tip area, and is often multiple in nature.
Lipoma. It is formed from adipose tissue and develops in the submucosal layer of the tongue. It has a lobed structure and a soft elastic consistency. Most often it is localized in the posterior region of the tongue on its lower surface. This type of tumor is characterized by painlessness, slow development and growth.
Myoma. It is of muscular origin and occurs during the proliferation of muscle cells of the organ. The dimensions rarely exceed 100 mm, the formation has a dense structure and is covered with a mucous membrane. Most often found on the upper surface of the tongue. In some cases, small papillary projections may also be present.
Neurofibroma. It originates from the tissues of the nerve branches of the tongue, and is often localized in the posterior region of the organ. It is characterized by slow growth and is one of the few forms of tumor that is accompanied by pain. It is quite rare in comparison with other types of formations.
Hemangioma. It is formed from the tissues of the blood vessels of the tongue, and is most often associated with disorders of embryogenesis. Diagnosed after birth or during the first months of life. There are several varieties of this form of neoplasm:
- capillary hemangioma - red spots of various shapes and sizes that do not rise above the healthy tissues of the tongue (when pressed, the spot tends to lose color brightness);
- cavernous hemangioma is a tumor of a purplish-bluish hue, has a soft structure, and rises somewhat above the healthy tissues of the mucous membrane.

In the second case, deep germination into the underlying tissues of the tongue is possible. Pressing on the formation leads to a short-term decrease in size.

Any vascular tumors have a risk of bleeding, which can be caused by mechanical damage.

Lymphangioma. It originates from the walls of the lymphatic vessels of the tongue, just like hemangioma, and is diagnosed early in a child’s life. Its appearance causes diffuse damage to the tongue, which leads to a significant increase in its size. The formations most often take the form of warty-type growths along the tip or entire surface of the organ. The tumor is prone to inflammation, especially when traumatized.
Struma of the tongue. It arises from the cells of the thyroid tissue located in the structure of the tongue due to a violation of embryogenesis. It looks like a node up to 3 cm in size, most often located at the root of the organ.

Symptoms of benign tumors of the tongue

Tumors of the tongue, which are small in size, most often do not cause discomfort to the patient and are diagnosed accidentally during a routine examination or treatment of other diseases of the teeth and oral cavity. When a benign tumor enlarges, a feeling of a foreign body on the tongue may occur.

Pain occurs in the event of injury, compression of the formation during chewing or speech; at rest it occurs only with the participation of nerve fibers in the structure of the formation.

Significant sizes of the formation can provoke symptoms such as speech defects, difficulties in chewing, and swallowing food.

A sharp change in tumor structure, color, and consistency indicates malignancy of the tumor. In this case, there may also be growth into the structure of the tongue or neighboring tissues. Also characteristic is the addition of an inflammatory process; it is characterized by the following clinical picture:

severe pain;
tissue swelling;
redness of the formation and adjacent mucous membrane;
necrotic changes (rare).

Diagnosis of benign tumors of the tongue

Most often, benign tumors of the tongue are diagnosed already at a stage of significant size, since before this the course of the disease is asymptomatic. Small tumors are diagnosed by a doctor during a routine examination of the oral cavity, as well as after injuries or injuries. A tumor is identified through a visual examination by a specialist and palpation of the formation, but a final diagnosis is possible only after a histological examination of the tissue - this allows the type of tumor to be determined. Histology is carried out not only with the help of a biopsy - taking a part of the tissue, but also after complete removal of the tumor without fail.

Treatment and prognosis of benign tumors of the tongue

Constant mechanical effects on the tongue due to chewing and speech, as well as chemical effects on the tumor (saliva) can lead to malignant degeneration of the tumors, so the preferred method of treatment is removal. The tumor is removed within healthy tissue, the decision to excise the struma is made jointly with an endocrinologist based on the results of hormone tests - it is necessary to take into account the level of thyroid hormones when determining treatment tactics.

Tongue tumors are removed in several ways:

radio wave method - allows you to remove the tumor with a minimum number of consequences;
electrocoagulation - allows not only to remove, but also to minimize the risk of bleeding in the postoperative period due to the effect of tongue tissue on the vessels;
laser removal - is especially in demand when an inflammatory process occurs, since it has an antiseptic effect and also promotes rapid tissue healing after surgery;
surgical excision is a traditional method, which has some disadvantages: a longer rehabilitation period, the need for sutures, etc.;
cryodestruction - removal of tissue under the influence of low temperatures minimizes the risk of scar tissue formation;
sclerotherapy is effective in removing vascular forms of tumors; the action is based on stopping the blood supply to the tumor and stopping its further growth and development.

The prognosis in the treatment of benign tumors of the tongue is most often favorable with timely diagnosis and the necessary manipulations. Due to the wide range of removal methods, it becomes possible even if there are some contraindications to surgery. If medical care is not provided, benign tumors can be susceptible to transformation and malignancy.

Some forms of benign tumors are prone to frequent relapses. These include lymphangiomas, hemangiomas, so it is necessary to follow medical recommendations regarding further prevention of the disease after surgery - these include diet, correction of bad habits, preventive visits to the doctor, and others.

The tissues of the oral cavity are quite sensitive, susceptible to various irritants, allergens, and pathogenic microorganisms. Swelling of the tongue can be caused by trauma, infectious processes of the oropharynx, exicosis, malocclusion and gastrointestinal diseases. Unpleasant sensations in the mouth can be eliminated with therapeutic measures.

To avoid consequences, you need to find out the cause of tongue swelling

Causes of tongue swelling

With swelling, the entire tongue or only a separate area may become enlarged; in some pathologies, the larynx and oral mucosa also swell. A short-term enlargement of the taste organ is a consequence of injury or infectious pathology, but if the swelling does not go away for a long time, this may indicate the presence of serious diseases.

Why does a tumor occur?

Trauma is the most common cause of swelling; it occurs after biting, burns, against the background of damage during dental procedures and surgical interventions in the oral cavity, after piercing, swelling with marks of teeth on the tongue is a consequence of an epileptic seizure. The pathology is accompanied by pain, bleeding, burning.
Allergies, Quincke's edema - develops suddenly after consuming allergens, medications, insect bites, swelling spreads to the gums and cheeks. The swollen organ of taste becomes covered with blisters and ulcers, itching and burning appear. Additional signs are rhinitis, lacrimation, cough, rashes, diarrhea.
Angioedema is a consequence of allergies; the pathology can be hereditary. The tumor spreads to the throat.
Dehydration – severe dry mouth causes the tongue to become enlarged, and cracks appear on the surface of the taste organ and lips. Other signs of a lack of fluid in the body are severe thirst at night or immediately after waking up, the skin becomes loose, the amount of urine decreases, the urine becomes bright yellow, and a burning sensation may occur when emptying the bladder.
Malocclusion.
Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract - colitis, ulcers, enterocolitis, gastritis with high acidity, all these diseases are accompanied by the appearance of swelling and white plaque.

Physical damage to the tongue is a common cause of swelling

Extensive swelling makes it difficult to breathe, the process of eating, and it is difficult for a person to talk. Anaphylactic shock against the background of an allergic reaction develops rapidly, accompanied by severe swelling of the larynx, shortness of breath, rapid breathing; if such signs appear, call an ambulance; the condition is extremely dangerous, especially for a child.

What diseases can cause a swollen tongue?

Many infectious pathologies and inflammatory processes of internal organs provoke swelling of the taste organ. The tumor is formed due to caries, stomatitis, anemia, syphilis, streptococcal infection, leukemia, sarcoma; in children, the problem often occurs with Down syndrome and mononucleosis.

What diseases can cause swelling:

Amyloidosis – problems with protein metabolism are more common in older people; the tumor grows gradually, but does not go away for a long time.
Herpes - the appearance of characteristic blisters near the lips is accompanied by swelling and pain of the tongue, and a rash also appears on its surface. The disease may go away on its own within 1–2 weeks, but drug therapy will speed up the recovery process.
Oral candidiasis - fungal pathologies occur in children and adults after antibiotic therapy, with weakened immunity. Thrush is accompanied by the appearance of a white coating in the oral cavity, which is difficult to remove; the organ of taste hurts, itches, and swells. the root of the tongue swells.
Thyroid pathologies - hypothyroidism is accompanied by weakness, apathy, the skin becomes dry, weight increases, and pain appears in the joints and muscles. Sometimes the face swells, teeth marks can be seen on the swollen tongue, the throat is ticklish and sore.
Scarlet fever is a bacterial pathology, most often it is diagnosed in childhood and adolescence. The throat becomes inflamed, the temperature rises, the cervical lymph nodes become enlarged, a rash appears, and a white or yellow coating can be seen in the mouth. A few days after the first symptoms of the disease appear, the surface of the taste organ becomes smooth, swollen, and the tongue becomes bright red.
Glossitis - inflammation of the taste organ is accompanied by its increase in size, it becomes burgundy, smooth, wooden, and swelling occurs around the frenulum. The disease occurs against the background of allergic reactions, injuries, infections, burns, after drinking alcohol, and with a small amount of saliva.
Tongue cancer - at the initial stage of development of the disease, the surface becomes covered with tubercles, small ulcers, red or light gray spots appear, the taste organ gradually becomes larger, there is no unpleasant sensation. As the pathology develops, pain and bleeding appear, certain areas begin to go numb, the throat becomes inflamed, and the tongue gets in the way in the mouth.

Herpes on the lips can cause swelling of the tongue and spread to it

At the initial stage, tongue cancer can be successfully treated, therefore, if unpleasant symptoms of the disease persist for more than 2 weeks, you should consult a doctor.

Some features of swelling of the taste organ

Most often, the tumor affects the entire tongue, but sometimes swelling forms in certain places. What an enlarged tongue looks like in various pathologies can be seen in the photo.

A compaction under the tongue in the form of a ball, swelling of the lower palate indicates pathological processes in the salivary glands, which can occur with infectious diseases, mumps, influenza, herpes, and poor oral care.

A lump under the tongue indicates problems with the salivary glands

Unilateral swelling, swelling on the tip of the tongue occurs with injuries, bites, Quincke's edema, after tooth extraction, after operations, against the background of bacterial and viral pathologies.

Swelling with clear teeth marks around the edges and bruising occurs with vitamin deficiency, diabetes, liver disease, and dysfunction of the spleen.

Which doctor should I contact?

If the tongue is swollen due to allergies, treatment of injuries is required; in the presence of pathologies of the oral cavity, therapy is carried out.

Referral to a specialist to help cope with tongue swelling depends on the cause of the symptom.

Additionally, an infectious disease specialist may be required.

Most often, severe allergic reactions with swelling of the tongue are caused by heart medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Diagnostics

The initial diagnosis is made on the basis of an external examination of the tongue and oral cavity, but in order to accurately identify the cause of discomfort, a comprehensive examination is performed.

Diagnostic methods:

biochemical, hormonal, general blood test;
test for tumor markers, tissue biopsy;
bacterial culture of an oral smear;
PCR and ELISA to identify the type of pathogen;
Ultrasound of the digestive system;
X-ray, CT, MRI of the jaw.

Frequent manifestations of thrush in the mouth are a signal for a more thorough examination of the body

If oral thrush occurs frequently, it is necessary to check the state of the immune system and do an analysis for syphilis, tuberculosis, and HIV.

Treatment of a swollen tongue

The choice of methods and means of therapy depends on the reasons that provoked the edema; in the treatment, medications are used that complement traditional recipes.

Medicine for swelling of the tongue

The goal of drug therapy is to eliminate the discomfort and the underlying disease that caused the enlargement of the tongue.

How to treat swelling:

antihistamines – Diazolin, Claritin, Eufillin;
medications with corticosteroids - Prednisolone, prescribed for severe swelling;
antibacterial agents – Tetracycline, Ampicillin;
antiviral drugs – Acyclovir;
antifungal drugs – Fluconazole;
painkillers – Ibuprofen, Nise, Kamistad gel;
antiseptic solutions for rinsing and lotions - Miramistin, Chlorophyllipt, Chlorhexidine;
immunomodulators and vitamins.

Diazolin is prescribed for the drug treatment of tongue swelling

For cancerous tumors of the tongue, surgery is performed, after which chemotherapy and radiotherapy are prescribed.

Folk remedies for tongue swelling

If the tongue has increased in size, then alternative medicine will help cope with swelling, inflammation, pain and irritation; for severe pathologies, they are used in combination with medications.

How to get rid of a tongue tumor at home:

Peel and grind several raw potato tubers in a blender, squeeze out the juice, and use it for rinsing or lotions. Carry out the procedure 3–5 times a day. You can also rinse your mouth with warm horseradish juice, only it is first diluted with an equal amount of water.
In case of a bite, ulcers, after piercing, tooth extraction, soda will help cope with unpleasant sensations - dissolve 15 g of the product in 220 ml of water, use the solution to rinse 4-6 times a day.
Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect - brew 200 ml of boiling water and 15 g of dry inflorescences, leave in a closed container for 20 minutes, rinse your mouth every 3-4 hours.
Pour 250 ml of water 2 tsp. chopped basil, simmer the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes, leave for an hour, strain. Take 50 ml orally three times a day, can be used as a rinse solution.
Mix 30 g of cottage cheese with an equal amount of sour cream, add 1 chopped garlic clove. Wrap the mixture in gauze, apply a compress to your tongue, and keep it there for at least 5 hours.
Apply a cotton pad moistened with warm sea buckthorn oil to your tongue for 10 minutes.

Apply compresses with sea buckthorn oil to your tongue to relieve swelling.

During the treatment of inflammation of the tongue, you must avoid eating hot, cold, spicy foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and drink more clean water.

Possible consequences and complications

All pathologies that cause swelling of the tongue respond well to drug treatment, but in the absence of proper therapy, serious complications can arise.

Why is a tongue tumor dangerous?

serious breathing problems;
violation of diction;
deterioration of the digestive tract;
complete tooth destruction, jaw deformation;
development of an abscess against the background of a protracted purulent process;
increased salivation.

Without proper treatment, complete tooth destruction can occur.

Proper oral care, regular visits to the dentist and other specialized specialists, a balanced diet, and adherence to a drinking regime will help avoid tongue swelling.

Tumor and swelling of the tongue– a common problem that occurs after dental surgery, eating hot food, after biting; in such cases, the discomfort goes away on its own within a few days. But if the lump grows and is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, you need to consult a doctor; timely treatment will help avoid the development of serious complications.

In recent years, the percentage of cancer among people of all age categories has been increasing. This is facilitated by both genetic factors and aggressive environmental factors - ultraviolet radiation, exhaust gases, pollution of water, soil, and air with carcinogenic substances.

According to statistics, malignant neoplasms of the digestive system, namely the stomach, rank second in mortality among all cancers. Tongue cancer occurs no more than 2% from all cancers. But, despite its rarity, this pathology is very severe.

In many countries, the most common intraoral site of cancer is the tongue. Worldwide, the incidence of oral cancer varies widely, depending on a range of risk factors. In Europe and Australia, oral cancer accounts for a very small percentage and is less than 5% from all oncological diseases. In France, it ranks third among the most common cancer pathologies among men and second in cancer mortality.

In the United States, the incidence of tongue cancer is 1.1-1.2 cases per 100,000 population. The highest mortality rate from this pathology has been recorded in Asia and some European countries, which is associated with the social habits of their population - smoking, drinking alcohol and chewing betel nuts.

Tongue cancer is more common among men than women

Because of this variability, tongue cancer is a serious problem with significant mortality and morbidity. The disease manifests itself mainly after 40 years of age and is twice as common among men than among women.

The main etiological causes of tongue cancer include:

smoking- Of all the etiological factors, tobacco is most related to tongue cancer. Numerous studies have proven that 90% of all cases of oral cancer are directly related to the use of tobacco products and that the risk of this pathology increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of the habit.
People who smoke have a six times greater risk of cancer than non-smokers. Exposure to tobacco leads to histological changes in the oral mucosa, which further causes mutations in the p53 gene.

Explosive use of snuff and smokeless tobacco has recently increased the incidence of cancer of the tongue, buccal mucosa, and mandible;
alcohol- Approximately 75% of tongue cancer patients drink alcohol. But the role of alcohol in the development of malignant diseases of the tongue does not depend on cigarette smoking and has a synergistic rather than cumulative effect on carcinogenesis. At the same time, the risk of cancer in a person who smokes and drinks alcohol is 15 times higher than in someone who does not have these bad habits;
chewing betel nut- a common habit of the population of India and Asia. These products irritate the oral mucosa and are carcinogenic;
genetic factors;
human papilloma virus- is a causative agent of carcinogenesis;
occupational and environmental factors.

Types and symptoms of tongue cancer

Tumor on the side of the tongue

Cancer of the tongue can be localized on its root, on its motor part (body and apex), on the lateral surfaces (a tumor on the side of the tongue is shown in the photo), as well as on the lower or upper surface.

The histological type is divided into squamous cell carcinoma, which occurs in most cases, and adenocarcinomatous carcinoma.

The following forms are also distinguished:

ulcerative form, which is characterized by the presence of ulcers on the surface of the tongue, predominantly with irregular and bleeding edges;
infiltrative form, which is characterized by the presence of compactions, lumps and tubercles in the thickness of the tongue with severe pain;
the papillary form is characterized by the presence of outgrowths on a thin or thick stalk.

The photo shows the initial stage of tongue cancer

Cancer of the root of the tongue (photo below) is less common and accounts for only one third of all oncological pathologies of the tongue. But this type of cancer is more malignant than cancer of the front part of the organ and is less treatable. Symptoms of tongue cancer include odynophagia (pain when swallowing food or liquid), otalgia (ear pain), or lumps in the neck. The latter occur already in the presence of metastases.

Initial stage of tongue cancer

Signs of tongue cancer can often be confused with manifestations of other diseases. It can be mistaken for a common cold that won't go away, or a simple sore mouth.

The most common symptoms of tongue cancer (photo below) include:

persistent pain in the tongue or jaw;
the presence of thickenings or ulcers in the mouth;
white or red areas on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth;
pain, or feeling of a foreign body in the throat;
feeling of numbness in the mouth;
hoarseness of voice for no apparent reason;
loss of teeth for no apparent reason;
bleeding from the tongue, not associated with a bite or injury;
difficulty or pain when swallowing, chewing;
difficulty moving the jaw or tongue;
enlargement of regional lymph nodes;
sometimes ear pain.

If these symptoms do not go away within two weeks, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Unfortunately, a minority of patients take the first symptoms seriously or do not pay any attention to them at all.

The initial stage can be manifested by the appearance of various formations, at the site of which the patient feels a burning sensation, tingling, numbness, pain, which can radiate to the temples, jaw, and ears. The disease can also manifest itself through bad breath, especially if it is an ulcerative form of the disease. In the first stages, the patient may complain of a feeling of a lump in the throat, discomfort when swallowing, hypersalivation, speech impairment, change in voice timbre, enlargement of the behind-the-ear and submandibular lymph nodes. All kinds of changes can be found on the surface of the tongue - ulcers, leioplakia (white spots), or erythroplakia (red spots), outgrowths.

Diagnosis and treatment methods for tongue cancer

The first stage of diagnosis is based on the presence of characteristic complaints of the patient and clinical examination data. Then the patient is prescribed instrumental studies. First, histological and cytological examinations are used to determine the type of cancer, its shape and stage of malignancy. Ultrasound, CT, MRI are used to detect metastases. X-rays may also be used to determine cancerous changes in the bones of the skull.

Tongue root cancer

The treatment method is selected based on the stage of the disease and its location. Thus, cancer of the root of the tongue requires more aggressive methods than cancer of the front part.

The main method in the treatment of this disease is combined, which combines surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Surgical method- total (glossectomy) or partial resection of the organ is possible, depending on the stage of the process and the size of the tumor. If soft tissue, muscle and bone structures are involved in the process, or there are metastases in the lymph nodes, then they are also removed during the operation. Then, to restore them, the patient is prescribed reconstructive surgery;
Radiation therapy - most often it is an additional method, used before and after surgery, but in rare cases it can be used as the main method. Radiation therapy uses the maximum effective dose of radioactive isotopes, x-rays or electron beams;
Chemotherapy- based on the use of chemotherapy drugs. The most commonly used are 5-Fluorouracil and platinum preparations.
The effectiveness of treatment directly depends on the stage of the disease. Thus, the five-year survival rate after treatment in the initial stages is 80%, and in advanced stages it is only 35%.
Prevention

Prevention of tongue cancer primarily involves giving up bad habits, as it has been proven that the risk of disease in people who use alcohol and tobacco is significantly higher than in those who do not use them. Preventive measures also include careful oral hygiene and systematic visits to the dentist.

Prevention of tongue cancer primarily involves giving up bad habits.

Tongue cancer is a serious disease characterized by high mortality. Therefore, it is necessary to give up bad habits (alcohol, smoking), which are the main etiological factors in the occurrence of this disease. Also, you should not hesitate to go to the doctor when the first symptoms occur, since treatment has the most positive effect in the early stages.

Treatment of tongue cancer at the Assuta Clinic

Tongue cancer is the most common tumor in the head region. It is manifested by a change in the color of the organ, the appearance of ulcers and wounds, and an unpleasant odor.

Treatment of tongue cancer at the Assuta clinic is a long-established mechanism that adapts to each specific case. At the first stage, the patient undergoes a full examination:

PET-CT.

This diagnosis allows us to identify possible metastases. After this, the patient undergoes a biopsy procedure of the affected tissue and undergoes general tests. Based on the examination data obtained, the medical council determines a treatment protocol that takes into account the degree of cancer and the patient’s condition.

Methods used by Assuta specialists:

chemotherapy;
ionizing radiation;
surgical intervention (excision of small lesions, partial or complete glossectomy).

Often these methods of influencing atypical cells are combined, replacing one method with another, until the result is optimal not only in terms of getting rid of cancer, but in the direction of preserving all the functions of the organ - chewing, swallowing, speech. Thanks to this and the abilities of specialists, the use of the latest medical drugs and equipment, and the caring attitude of the Assuta team, we will defeat tongue cancer at any stage.

Tongue cancer is one of the most common diseases among oncological pathologies of the oral cavity and is detected in 50-60% of cases of these tumors. A malignant tumor usually forms from epithelial cells and is characterized by rapid growth and metastasis to lymph nodes and internal organs. The neoplasm is accompanied by local and diffuse compaction of the tissues of the tongue and the appearance of ulcers or papilloma-like growths on its surface.

In this article you can get information about the causes, types, manifestations and methods of diagnosing and treating tongue cancer. Having learned about them, you will be able to suspect the onset of the development of this dangerous disease in time and make the right decision about the need to see an oncologist.

According to statistics, the average age of patients is 50-60 years and the tumor is more often detected in people over 40 years of age. Tongue cancer is very rare among younger people. As a rule, the tumor is found 5-7 times more often in men.

This cancer is detected in different countries of the world. However, the highest prevalence of such cancer is observed in India and other Asian countries. This is explained by the fact that it is among their residents that the most common habit of using narcotic chewing mixtures is nasa and betel. The substances contained in them are aggressive carcinogens and cause tumor growth.

Causes

The leading provoking factors for tongue cancer are smoking and drinking alcohol.

All experts came to the conclusion that the main provoking factor in the development of tongue cancer is tobacco smoking. When tobacco is burned, carcinogens are formed, causing mutations in epithelial cells and their degeneration into cancer. Alcohol consumption also plays an important role in the development of tumors. Alcohol can potentiate carcinogens formed during the combustion of tobacco and increases the risk of malignancy by 2-3 times.

Oncologists assign second place among the factors that provoke tongue cancer to contact with various harmful substances that a person has to deal with at work. These include: asbestos, derivatives of heavy metals, perchlorethylene, petroleum products.

The third place among dangerous factors is given by experts to frequent tongue injuries. They can occur when wearing improperly fitted dentures, sharp edges on fillings, broken or untreated fillings, frequent tongue biting, etc.

Scientific research conducted in recent years indicates a relationship between the formation of a cancerous tumor of the tongue and viral infections -, and. The chronic persistent course of such viral infections leads to blocking the influence of tumor suppressor genes and significantly increases the risk of cancer formation. Long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs can lead to the same side effects.

Long-term influence of all of the above provoking factors causes damage to the DNA structure of epithelial cells and potentiates dysplasia and/or hyperplasia of the mucous membrane of the tongue. If trigger factors continue to act, these conditions lead to the formation of a cancerous tumor.

Oncologists identify the following precancerous conditions:

chronic erosions or ulcers of the tongue;
papillomas;
leukoplakia;
Bowen's disease;
ulcerative-erosive or hyperkeratic forms or;
Almost all benign neoplasms of the tongue are subject to frequent trauma.

Classification

According to histological structure, tongue cancer can be:

squamous cell keratinizing or non-keratinizing - in 95% of cases;
adenocarcinoma is rarely detected and is usually localized at the root of the tongue.

According to the nature of its growth, a tumor of the tongue can be:

exophytic – grows towards the oral cavity;
endophytic - grows only in the thickness of the tongue.

Based on their location on the tongue, they are distinguished:

tongue body cancer – detected in 70% of cases, located on the middle part and lateral surfaces of the tongue;
cancer of the root of the tongue - found in 20% of cases, located in the back half of the oral cavity and is especially aggressive;
cancer of the lower tongue - found in 10% of cases.

Tongue cancer can occur in the following forms:

ulcerative - an ulcer with uneven outlines and bleeding edges appears on the organ, it is located in the middle or lower part of the tongue;
infiltrative - a painful compaction (infiltrate) appears in the thickness of the organ, while the mucous membrane located above it becomes thinner, the infiltrate is usually located on the back of the tongue or its tip;
papillary - a neoplasm appears on the surface of the organ on a thin stalk, which usually grows slowly and is often localized on the lateral surfaces of the tongue.

Symptoms

The nature and severity of symptoms for tongue cancer depend on the stage of the cancer process. There are four stages during the course of the disease.

Stage I

The first signs of the disease are usually:

discomfort or pain in the tumor area;
the appearance of ulcers, papules, whitish growths, local redness or induration.

They are not always noticed by patients or attributed to dental and otolaryngological diseases. Somewhat later, the patient develops the following symptoms:

the appearance of a white or brownish coating;
numbness of the tongue;
identification of a slight compaction upon palpation;
pain while swallowing (sometimes).

Pain syndrome at stage I of the disease appears only in some cases. Usually its appearance is associated with signs of such diseases: glossitis, traumatic glossalgia, pulpitis, etc.

Stage II

At this stage, the tumor increases in size up to 1 cm and can spread to muscle tissue or bones. The patient experiences diffuse or local pain of varying intensity. Sometimes they radiate to other parts of the mouth, to the ear or temple. Painful sensations can still be eliminated with the help of conventional painkillers.

The growing tumor leads to the appearance of bleeding ulcers on the tongue, and the bad breath becomes more noticeable. In addition, the patient experiences the following symptoms:

burning sensation in the area of the lateral surface of the tongue or tonsils;
pain when swallowing;
difficulty swallowing saliva.

Stage III

The size of the neoplasm increases to 2 cm and can be seen when examining the tongue. All manifestations of the disease become more vivid:

intense pain in the temple and frontal sinus;
tumor disintegration is accompanied by increased salivation (hypersalivation), periodic bleeding and a foul odor;
difficulties in pronouncing sounds and eating: impaired swallowing, loss of sensitivity and immobility of the tongue.

At this stage, it is already possible to establish the form of tongue cancer.

The ulcerative form is accompanied by the following symptoms:

the presence of an ulcer that is increasing in size, the edges of which are surrounded by a cushion;
at the beginning of development, the ulcer is painless, and then begins to provoke pain and bleeding;
Secondary infection of the ulcer leads to the appearance of purulent complications.

This course of the disease is observed in approximately 50% of cases.

The infiltrative form is accompanied by the appearance of the following symptoms:

the neoplasm grows into the thickness of the tongue and is accompanied by the appearance of a diffuse or local area of compaction;
tongue movement disorders are more pronounced;
in the infiltrative-ulcerative form, ulcers in the form of deep slits form on the surface of the tongue.

The papillary form is accompanied by the appearance of a growth on the surface of the tongue. The emerging neoplasm contains plaque-like or papillary outgrowths.

IV stage

At this stage of the disease, the size of the tumor increases to 3-4 cm, and metastases appear in the submandibular, mental, cervical and occipital lymph nodes and internal organs (usually in the lungs, brain, liver or bones). The cancer process takes on an aggressive course and is accompanied by the disintegration of tumor tissue.

With such an advanced stage of tongue cancer, the patient experiences the following symptoms:

bleeding multiple ulcers form on the tongue;
the tongue increases significantly in size;
constant and intense pain that is not relieved by conventional analgesics;
general intoxication increases: constant weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of tongue cancer is made based on the results of histological and cytological examination of the affected tissues.

To make an accurate diagnosis of tongue cancer, the following examination methods are necessary:

histological analysis of the material taken during biopsy;
cytological examination of fingerprint smears taken from ulceration areas.

To obtain data on the prevalence of the cancer process, the following studies are carried out:

Ultrasound – to determine the depth of tumor growth in the tissue of the tongue or detect metastases in other organs;
X-ray or orthopantomography - to detect tumor growth in the skull bone or detect metastases in the lungs;
CT and/or MRI – to detect metastases.

Treatment

Treatment tactics for tongue cancer are determined by the stage of the disease. To get rid of a tumor, the doctor draws up an individual comprehensive therapy program for the patient, which combines several techniques.

Surgical operations

To remove a malignant tumor, a partial or complete glossectomy is performed - the scope of the intervention is determined by the size of the tumor and the stage of the disease. At the initial stages, modern organ-preserving minimally invasive techniques can be used: resection using a gamma knife or burning with focused ultrasound, thermocoagulator or laser.

If lymph nodes are affected, they are removed. And when cancer cells grow into soft tissues and bones, they are resected. In some cases, after the operation, the patient undergoes an orthostomy.

The scope of surgery for tongue cancer can be as follows:

at stages I-II - organ-preserving minimally invasive operations or partial resection of the tongue (as a rule, up to ½ of its part is removed);
at stage III - extensive surgery with excision of tumor-affected tissues of the neck, lower jaw, etc.;
for multiple metastases - surgery using the Krail method with excision of the fascia of the lymph nodes (supraclavicular, cervical and suprahyoid) and part of the salivary gland (submandibular);
for extensive metastases - surgery using the Vanach method with fascial removal of the submandibular and mental lymph nodes with part of the salivary gland.

After the main surgical intervention, the patient can undergo reconstructive operations aimed at restoring lost tissues and functions (chewing and swallowing food, speech). If necessary, plastic surgery is performed to improve the appearance of the face. After the operations are performed, the patient is prescribed a course of rehabilitation to fully restore all lost functions.

Radiation therapy

This treatment method is one of the main ones and can be recommended before and/or after surgery, and in some cases it may be the only way to combat tongue cancer. Its implementation makes it possible to destroy cancer cells with radioactive isotopes, X-rays or beams of directed electrons. The method of irradiation is determined by the stage of the disease and the reaction of the tumor to the first sessions of radiation treatment.

Modern MRT radiotherapy technology makes it possible, using a computer, to calculate the effective dose of radiation with the highest accuracy and direct it strictly to a specific area. Such advantages of the technique allow one to avoid irradiation of healthy tissues and minimize the number of side effects.

In some cases, a new radiation technique called brachytherapy is used to treat the tumor. To do this, radioactive isotopes are injected into the tumor site.

In advanced stages of tongue cancer, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy may be recommended to the patient.

Chemotherapy

When treating tongue cancer, combination chemotherapy techniques are used - polychemotherapy. Indications for their use are neoplasms that are not amenable to other treatment methods, poorly differentiated tumors and the presence of distant metastases.

For tongue cancer, the patient may be prescribed the following cytostatics:

platinum-based drugs (Cisplatin, Carboplatin);
Bleomycin;
Vinblastine;
Methotrexate, etc.

Innovative techniques

For the treatment of tongue cancer, the following modern techniques may be included in complex therapy:

biotherapy (interferons, interleukins, vaccines);
drugs based on monoclonal antibodies;
drugs that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Rehabilitation

The recovery period after treatment for tongue cancer is usually long and difficult. It is important because after resection of this organ, it is difficult for patients to eat and talk. It is during rehabilitation that reconstructive and plastic surgeries are performed.