7 Causes of Tongue Cancer and Symptoms to Watch Out For

Kapanlagi.com - Cancer is a chronic disease that worries many people. Cancer can attack all organs of the body, including unexpected parts such as the tongue. This cancer is known as tongue cancer, which is characterized by several symptoms. Causes of tongue cancer can occur due to the abnormal growth of cells in the tongue, causing health problems.

Tongue cancer is a cancer that occurs in the area around the tongue due to uncontrolled or abnormal cell growth. Tongue cancer is a type of oral cancer that can attack the areas around the mouth, including the gums and teeth. According to webmd.com, tongue cancer can occur in the tip or base of the tongue.

However, in cases where tongue cancer affects the base area connected to the throat, it often spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck. This is what causes symptoms such as a swollen neck.

In addition, tongue cancer is more commonly found in adults compared to children. The causes of tongue cancer and its symptoms can be triggered by several factors that need to be aware of. The causes of tongue cancer and the symptoms that need to be aware of are described in the following reviews.

Although the exact causes of tongue cancer are still unknown, there are several risk factors for tongue cancer. Here are the causes of tongue cancer and recognize its symptoms, as summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources.

1. Smoking

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The first cause of tongue cancer can occur due to smoking habits. It is no secret that smoking can have various negative effects on health. This is because the substances and compounds in cigarettes can trigger certain health problems, including attacking the mouth and teeth.

According to cedars-sinai.org, the cause of tongue cancer can be experienced due to smoking habits. In fact, individuals who smoke are known to have a five times higher risk of developing tongue cancer compared to non-smokers.

2. Virus Infection

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The cause of tongue cancer can also occur due to viral infection. In this case, one type of virus associated with tongue cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV itself is a type of virus that attacks certain areas of the body, including the mouth.

In this case, HPV virus infection can be a risk factor for the occurrence of tongue cancer. According to cedars-sinai.org, HPV 16 and HPV 18 viruses are known to be at risk of triggering tongue cancer.

3. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Another cause of tongue cancer to be aware of is excessive alcohol consumption. The substances in alcohol are known to have an impact on the body's health condition. Some health problems caused by alcohol consumption include sleep disorders, respiratory problems, heart disease, and liver damage.

This condition is also known to be a risk factor for the occurrence of tongue cancer. Therefore, limiting alcohol consumption can be considered to prevent certain health problems, including tongue cancer.

4. Lack of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

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According to medicalnewstoday.com, the cause of tongue cancer can occur due to a lack of fruit and vegetable consumption. As is known, fruits and vegetables are important sources of healthy nutrition that the body needs. Therefore, the lack of intake of fruits and vegetables can potentially lead to various health problems, including oral diseases such as tongue cancer.

For example, certain foods that are low in fruits and vegetables but high in red meat or processed foods can increase the risk of developing tongue cancer. That is why it is important to maintain a healthy diet to prevent certain health problems.

5. Family History

Tongue cancer can also occur if there is a family member with a history of tongue or mouth cancer. As is known, several health problems often increase due to genetic factors inherited from parents or siblings. However, further examination is needed to determine the exact cause of tongue cancer.

6. Lack of Oral Health Care

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Oral health includes teeth, gums, and tongue which are important to be well taken care of. In this case, the lack of oral health care is known to trigger tongue cancer. For example, poor dental hygiene that can leave food residue and cause dental health problems. In addition, according to alodokter.com, tongue cancer is often associated with uneven teeth, rough teeth, or jagged teeth.

7. History of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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According to medicalnewstoday.com, someone who has a history of cancer is also at risk of developing tongue cancer. Especially squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of cancer that attacks skin cells. This cancer can occur due to areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun. However, symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma can also occur inside the mouth or ear.

8. Symptoms of Tongue Cancer

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After knowing some causes of tongue cancer, it is also important to recognize the symptoms of tongue cancer. By recognizing the symptoms of tongue cancer, it can prevent the occurrence of tongue cancer as early as possible. The symptoms of tongue cancer are as follows, as reported by cancerresearchuk.org:

- Appearance of red or white spots on the tongue.

- Persistent sore throat.

- Presence of a lump on the tongue that does not heal.

- Pain when swallowing.

- Numbness in the mouth that does not heal.

- Sudden bleeding on the tongue without any cause.

- Ear pain.

Those are the 7 causes of tongue cancer and its symptoms that need to be aware of. Consultation and examination with a doctor can be considered to get appropriate treatment related to tongue cancer.

(kpl/nlw)