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Tongue cancer mainly originates from the squamous epithelial cells of the tongue, most commonly occurring in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Globally, the incidence is relatively high in the United States, Europe, and East Asian countries, while Southeast Asian countries such as India, Thailand, and Vietnam also report numerous cases. This disease is associated with factors such as smoking, drinking, and poor oral hygiene, severely affecting patients’ quality of life and posing a threat to survival.
In Southeast Asia, tongue cancer is closely linked to habits such as betel nut chewing, leading to a persistently high incidence rate. Due to inconspicuous early symptoms, patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage, frequently presenting with oral ulcers, bleeding, and pain, which threaten breathing and swallowing functions. The application of immune reconstruction cell therapy has brought new hope for patients in middle and advanced stages.
Stage I: Localized lesion, mild symptoms
The tumor is confined to a single region of the tongue, smaller than 2 cm, with no lymph node metastasis. Patients often have no obvious discomfort or only minor ulcers. The 5-year survival rate is as high as 80%-90%.
Stage II: Local expansion, noticeable symptoms
The tumor measures between 2-4 cm, still confined to the tongue, but may cause pain and ulceration, with no lymph node metastasis. The 5-year survival rate is around 60%-75%.
Stage III: Lymph node metastasis, functional limitation
The tumor exceeds 4 cm or involves adjacent structures, accompanied by ipsilateral lymph node metastasis. Patients may develop difficulty swallowing and speech disorders. The 5-year survival rate drops to 40%-60%.
Stage IV: Distant metastasis, severe symptoms
The tumor has invaded distant tissues or metastasized, with symptoms including persistent severe pain, bleeding, and significant functional impairment. The 5-year survival rate is below 30%, requiring combined immune reconstruction cell therapy and chemoradiotherapy.
1. Oral ulcer
Persistent, non-healing oral ulcers are a common early symptom of tongue cancer. The ulcer edges are firm, with a red-and-white base, often accompanied by pain.
2. Submandibular mass
When lymph node metastasis occurs, hard nodules or masses may be felt in the submandibular or neck region, possibly compressing blood vessels and nerves, causing local discomfort.
3. Oral pain
There may be no obvious pain in the early stage, but as the tumor progresses, pain intensifies, particularly when eating or speaking.
4. Difficulty swallowing
When the tumor invades the tongue root or adjacent tissues, patients experience pain or a sensation of obstruction when swallowing food.
5. Speech impairment
Restricted tongue movement affects pronunciation, leading to unclear speech or choking when swallowing.
6. Oral bleeding
The tumor surface is fragile and prone to bleeding, often accompanied by bad breath.
7. Foreign body sensation in the mouth
Patients often feel as if there is a foreign object obstructing the tongue, reducing comfort.
8. Weight loss
Due to difficulty eating, patients experience significant weight loss, affecting overall health.
As the most common malignant tumor in the oral cavity, early detection of tongue cancer is critical to improving cure rates. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize the importance of regular oral examinations and screening for high-risk groups. Immune reconstruction cell therapy, as an emerging treatment, offers new hope for advanced tongue cancer patients, significantly improving survival and quality of life. Patients should pay attention to early symptoms, seek timely medical care, and achieve precise treatment.
