$Unique_ID{BRK04272} $Pretitle{} $Title{Tongue Carcinoma} $Subject{Tongue Carcinoma Cancer of the Tongue Carcinoma of the Tongue } $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1987, 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 340: Tongue Carcinoma ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible the main title of the article (Tongue Carcinoma) may not be the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYMS listing to find the alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article. Synonyms Cancer of the Tongue Carcinoma of the Tongue General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Tongue Carcinoma is an oral cancer which is characterized by an ulcerating malignant tumor, usually on the side of the tongue, consisting of scaly (squamous) cells. The tumor may spread to the lymph nodes on the same side of the neck. Symptoms In Tongue Cancer local pain may occur, possibly later radiating to the entire side of the face. The most common sign of cancer in the mouth is a sore that fails to heal and that bleeds rather easily. There may be restricted movement of the tongue or discomfort in wearing dentures. Swelling of the lymph nodes on the same side of the neck may occur in about half the patients if the tumor spreads. Causes The cause of Tongue Carcinoma is unknown. Inadequate oral hygiene and thickened white patches on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity (leukoplakia) may be a cause. The disorder is statistically linked with alcoholism, cirrhosis of the liver, excessive smoking, or syphilis. Irritation by jagged teeth, projecting fillings and ill-fitting dentures may also be factors contributing to development of Tongue Carcinoma. As in some other types of cancer, the possibility of a genetic predisposition to malignancy may also be a factor. Affected Population Tongue Carcinoma is a rare form of cancer that tends to affect more men than women, usually between 40-60 years of age. During recent years, the proportion of women with this type of cancer has grown. The frequency of this disorder among the population tends to increase with age. All types of oral cancer combined strike about 27,000 persons in the United States each year. Related Disorders There are many types of mouth cancer. All types are relatively rare. Carcinoma of the Floor of the Mouth is characterized by a hard growth that can be felt by the tip of the tongue. Pain in the ear, increased salivation, difficulty speaking and later bleeding, are signs of this disorder. This type of cancer may be caused by poor oral hygiene or irritation of the tissues by sharp teeth, ill-fitting dentures, smoking, etc. Frequently the lymph nodes in the neck are also affected. Carcinoma of the Cheek (Mouth, Buccal Mucosa, Carcinoma) is characterized by a malignant lesion in the cheek, pain, difficulty chewing, spasms in the cheek muscles (trismus) and mucosal bleeding. The carcinoma may spread to the lymph glands under the jaw. Therapies: Standard Surgery consisting of excision of tongue muscle and neck lymph nodes is used for treatment of Tongue Carcinoma, sometimes in combination with pre- or postoperative radiation. A special type of radiation can be applied by implanting needles containing radioactive elements to destroy the cancer in localized areas (interstitial irradiation). Chemotherapy may also be used as therapy. The survival rate of 5 years for this disorder is 28%. Early diagnosis and treatment is imperative, especially in persons under 20 years of age. Therapies: Investigational This disease entry is based upon medical information available through March 1987. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Tongue Carcinoma, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 American Cancer Society 1599 Clifton Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 303291 (404) 320-3333 NIH/National Cancer Institute 9000 Rockville Pike, Bldg. 31, Rm. 1A2A Bethesda, MD 20892 1-800-4-CANCER The National Cancer Institute has developed PDQ (Physician Data Query), a computerized database designed to give doctors quick and easy access to many types of information vital to treating patients with this and many other types of cancer. To gain access to this service, a doctor can contact the Cancer Information Service offices at 1-800-4-CANCER. Information specialists at this toll-free number can answer questions about cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. References WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CANCER OF THE MOUTH: Reprinted: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Public Health Service; National Institutes of Health; National Cancer Institute. (March 1985.) CHANGING TRENDS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA OF THE TONGUE: C. D. Callery, et al.; American Journal of Surgery (October 1984: issue 148,4). Pp. 449-454. SURGICAL TREATMENT OF EARLY-STAGE CARCINOMA OF THE ORAL TONGUE--WOULD WOUND ADJUVANT TREATMENT BE BENEFICIAL? Head and Neck Surgery (July-August 1986: issue 8,6). Pp. 401-408.