Tongue cancer is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells on the tongue. The tongue begins in the throat and extends into the mouth. It’s made up of muscles and nerves that help with movement and function, such as taste. The tongue aids in speaking, eating and swallowing.
Risk factors of tongue cancer
Tobacco use: Tobacco is the single largest risk factor for tongue cancer. All forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, increase the risk.
Consuming alcohol: Frequent and heavy drinking increases the risk of tongue cancer. Using alcohol and tobacco together increases the risk even more.
Being exposed to HPV: In recent years, tongue cancer in the throat has become more common in those exposed to specific types of HPV.
Being male; Men are more likely to develop tongue cancer than women. This may be from higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use in men. All information are gotten from Mayo clinics
And finally, schedule an appointment with your provider any time you notice a new lump, bump, spot, ulcer or discoloration on your tongue. This is especially the case if symptoms last for more than two weeks.
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