Initially, tongue cancer only shows signs of ulcers on the tongue, which can be easily mistaken for canker sores. Patients often do not seek early medical attention, leading to the disease progressing to a later stage.

Ms. N.P.A (born in 1980, from Thanh Hoa) came to the Hanoi Cancer Hospital for a follow-up after being diagnosed with tongue cancer over a year ago.

Before being admitted to the hospital, she constantly felt something stuck on her tongue, but no cause was found. Gradually, a raised ulcer appeared on her tongue. She thought it was just a canker sore and took medication for 2-3 months, but when the condition did not improve, she sought medical attention at the Central Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital. There, doctors performed a biopsy and diagnosed her with tongue cancer, recommending surgery to remove half of the tongue, lymph node dissection, and 30 radiation treatments post-surgery.

Mr. N.V.P (73 years old, from Phu Tho) went to the Hung Vuong General Hospital (Phu Tho) for a checkup due to weight loss and pain in the tongue area, which made it difficult for him to eat.

According to his family, a few months ago, Mr. P. frequently complained of feeling like a fishbone was stuck in his tongue, causing discomfort. However, his overall health had not changed, so he did not go to the hospital for an examination. Later, ulcers began to form on the left side of his tongue, gradually spreading and deepening

One month before being hospitalized, the patient experienced severe pain, inability to eat, weight loss, and insomnia, with a 30-year history of smoking. Doctors suspected tongue cancer and diagnosed Mr. P. with the condition. His family urgently took him to Hanoi for further testing. However, a biopsy of the mucosa and pathological examination confirmed that Mr. P. had tongue cancer.

Dr. Nguyễn Hồng Nhung, a specialist at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, E Hospital (Hanoi), stated that the initial symptoms of tongue cancer are unclear, subtle, and often mistaken for common dental conditions, making it difficult to detect in the early stages. As a result, many cases are diagnosed when the cancer has reached an advanced stage, complicating treatment.

The causes of tongue cancer are not entirely clear. However, the disease is associated with factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and the combination of both, which increases the risk of cancer. HPV infection also contributes to tongue cancer. Other causes include chewing betel nut, poor oral hygiene, unhealthy eating habits, unsafe sexual practices (oral sex), and genetic factors.

Dr. Nguyễn Minh Tuấn, a specialist in cancer surgery at the Oncology Center, Phu Tho General Hospital, added that tongue cancer often starts with a sore. Patients often mistake it for a canker sore and may be negligent. The difference between a canker sore and tongue cancer is:

• A sore that does not heal and persists for a long time.

• A sore that appears in areas of leukoplakia or erythroplakia, accompanied by pain and discomfort on the tongue.

Therefore, if a sore persists for more than two weeks, patients should seek a health checkup and undergo tongue cancer screening. Doctors will consider risk factors, family history, and clinical examination, observing abnormal lesions in the mouth and tongue, and may perform a biopsy for pathological examination.

To determine the cancer stage, additional diagnostic tests like CT scans or MRIs of the head and neck area are needed.

Treatment depends on several factors, including the cancer stage, tumor location, and the patient’s overall condition. The main treatment methods for tongue cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, either in combination or individually.

"If diagnosed at the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 70-80%," Dr. Tuấn said.

If detected early, the prognosis is good, reducing treatment costs and time. Therefore, if you notice a sore that does not heal, you should seek a specialist in oncology as soon as possible