|
carcinoma tongue In oncology squamous cell cancers of the head and neck are often considered together because they share many similarities - in incidence, cancer type, predisposing factors, pathological features, treatment and prognosis. The most common type of cancer of the tongue is called Squamous Cell Carcinoma. There are other types of cancers of the tongue but they are statistically uncommon. There tongue is divided into two parts, the oral tongue and the base of the tongue. Cancer can develop in either part. The oral tongue can be seen. This is the front two thirds of your tongue. Cancers that develop in this part of the tongue come under a group of cancers called oral cancer. The Cancers that develop in the back third of the tongue are called oropharyngeal cancers. This part is very near your throat (pharynx). Types of carcinoma tongue: 1. The cancer location: According to the location of the cancer 1 .Oral cavity cancer: The cancer that starts in the mouth, which includes the tongue, lining of the cheeks, gums and teeth, upper or lower jaw, the hard palate ,the mouth’s floor (, and salivary glands. 2. Oropharyngeal cancer: The cancer that starts in the oropharynx, which includes the soft palates, the base of the tongue, uvula, and tonsils . 2. The cells where the cancer starts in the tounge 1. Squamous cell carcinoma: This is a form of cancer of the carcinoma type that may occur in many different organs, including the skin, lips, mouth, esophagus, urinary bladder, prostate, lungs, vagina, and cervix. It is a malignant tumor of squamous epithelium. Despite the common name, these are unique cancers with large differences in manifestation and prognosis. 2. Minor salivary gland cancer: This is a type of cancer which starts within the salivary glands located in the oral cavity and orophadynx lining tissue. This is a rare type of oral cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms are highly variable depending on the involved organs. 1. Intermittent bleeding from the tumor. 2. Usually the tumor presents as an ulcerated lesion with hard, raised edges 3. The tumor commonly presents on sun-exposed areas 4. On the lip, the tumor forms a small ulcer, which fails to heal and bleeds intermittently The tumor grows relatively slowly
Causes and Prevention 1. Smoking : This is one of the main risk factors that causes oral cancer. Smoking cessation represents one of the most effective prevention approaches. 2. Excessive consumption of alcohol: This directly causes oral cancer. Studies conducted in developed countries suggest that tobacco and alcohol, together, increases the risk for oral cancer by almost 80 percent because they act synergistically. 3. Deficient diet: The lack of vitamin A, C, and E, iron, selenium, and folate in the diet can increase the risk for oral cancer. Doctors recommend a low-fat, high-fiber diet rich in vegetables and fruits. 4. Human papillomaviruses (HPV)These are a diverse group of DNA-based viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes within the human body. Studies suggest that infection with HPV 16 and 18 (sexually transmitted) increase the risk for oral cavity cancer and oropharynx cancer. 5. Herpes simplex viruses:These causes a viral infection. The connection between this virus and oral cancer is still being investigated. Treatments Medical Tests & Diagnosis Physical examination: During a physical examination, the doctor examines the oral cavity and pharynx, the face, neck, and lips looking for signs of oral cancer. Imaging techniques Computed tomography (CT) is a medical imaging method employing tomography created by computer processing. Digital geometry processing is used to generate a three-dimensional image of the inside of an object from a large series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken around a single axis of rotation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This is primarily a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structure and limited function of the body. MRI provides much greater contrast between the different soft tissues of the body than computed tomography (CT) does, making it especially useful in neurological (brain), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological (cancer) imaging. Unlike CT, MRI uses no ionizing radiation Diagnostic sonography (ultrasonography) is an ultrasound-based diagnostic imaging technique used to visualize subcutaneous body structures including tendons, muscles, joints, vessels and internal organs for possible pathology or lesions. Obstetric sonography is commonly used during pregnancy and is widely recognized by the public. Endoscopy means looking inside and typically refers to looking inside the body for medical reasons using an endoscope, an instrument used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body. Unlike most other medical imaging devices, endoscopes are inserted directly into the organ Biopsy: This is a painless medical procedure that removes a certain amount of tissue for a microscopic examination. This procedure allows the pathologist to establish the nature of the cells and determine whether they are cancerous or not, and the stage of the cancer. In some cases, the doctor might perform a scalpel biopsy. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is a type of local therapy. It affects cells only in the treated area. Radiation therapy is used alone for small tumors or for patients who cannot have surgery. It may be used before surgery to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumor. It also may be used after surgery to destroy cancer cells that may remain in the area.
|
