Tongue cancer falls into two categories. Cancer of the oral tongue occurs on the front two-thirds of the tongue, which is the part that's easily visible. Cancer of the base of the tongue occurs in the back one-third of the tongue, which extends down the throat, Cedars-Sinai states. Squamous cell cancer cells, small flat cells that line the mouth, make up most tongue cancers. Smoking, chewing tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk of developing tongue cancer, NYU Langone Medical Center reports. Cancer of the oral tongue is easier to see and diagnose than cancer of the base of the tongue.
Lumps or Sores
Cancers of the oral tongue can cause lumps on the side of the tongue that touches the teeth, which are grayish-red to pink in color and may ulcerate. Reddened or white patches may appear on the tongue, Baylor College of Medicine states. Lumps or sores may also be a mixture of red and white areas or other discoloration, according to the Merck Manual, and they usually feel hard and unmovable. Lumps or sores may bleed if bitten or touched.
Pain
Pain may accompany cancer of the base of the tongue in later stages. Pain can occur with chewing and most often occurs with swallowing, the Merck Manual states. Pain rarely occurs in the early stages of oral cancer and normally appears when the cancer grows into the nerves. Ear pain may occur when the cancer grows into the auriculotemporal and lingual nerves, both branches of the trigeminal nerve, Baylor College of Medicine reports.
Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing and a feeling like there's a lump in the neck or throat may occur in late stages of cancer of the base of the tongue, Cedar-Sinai reports.
Numbness
Tongue cancer may cause numbness and difficulty moving the tongue along with speech difficulties caused by difficulty moving the tongue over the teeth, says NYU Langone Medical Center. Changes in the voice may also occur. Surgery for large tumors can also cause problems with swallowing and speech.
