Patients often confuse it with a canker sore, so they may overlook the issue. The difference between a canker sore and tongue cancer is:
- The ulcer heals slowly and persists for a long time.
- The ulcer appears in areas of leukoplakia or erythroplakia, accompanied by pain and discomfort on the tongue.
Therefore, if the ulcer lasts for more than two weeks, the patient should undergo a health check-up and tongue cancer screening. The doctor will assess the risk, family history, conduct a clinical examination, and observe any unusual lesions in the oral cavity and tongue, followed by a biopsy for pathological analysis.
To determine the stage of the disease, additional imaging tests such as CT, MRI of the skull, face, and brain may be required.
Treatment will depend on several factors, including the stage of the disease, the location of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health. Main treatment methods for tongue cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, either in combination or separately.
If detected at the localized cancer stage, the five-year survival rate is 70-80%.
If the disease is found in its early stages, the prognosis is better, reducing treatment costs and time. Therefore, if you notice a persistent ulcer, it is important to see an oncologist early.