what is diagnosis if cancer in neck and tongue are still present after treatment

How to know if you have tongue cancer?

1 Difficulty swallowing or speaking 2 A feeling that there's something in your throat (a lump or a mass) 3 Sore throat 4 White or red patches on your tongue 5 A feeling of numbness in your mouth 6 Unexplained bleeding from your tongue 7 Rarely, symptoms of tongue cancer can also include ear pain

Can a dentist tell if you have head and neck cancer?

Although there is no standard or routine screening test for head and neck cancers, dentists may check the oral cavity for signs of cancer during a routine checkup. How are head and neck cancers treated?

Is there a cure for tongue cancer?

In general, if cancer of the tongue is diagnosed at an early stage, it can be cured, but this becomes less likely the longer it is present and goes without treatment. For this reason, if you have symptoms of tongue cancer, you should see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

How does a doctor check for cancer in the neck?

The lymph nodes in the neck will be felt for any signs of cancer. Because some parts of the mouth and throat are not easily seen, the doctor may use mirrors, lights, and/or special fiber-optic scopes including the mouth and middle part of the throat to look at these areas.

Can cancer spread to the tongue?

Overview. Tongue cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the cells of the tongue. Several types of cancer can affect the tongue, but tongue cancer most often begins in the thin, flat squamous cells that line the surface of the tongue.

Is tongue and throat cancer curable?

When identified early, tongue cancer is highly curable, but it can be deadly if it is not promptly diagnosed and treated. Tongue cancer is a serious, life-threatening form of oral cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, oral cancer accounts for 2% to 4% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States.

Does throat cancer affect the tongue?

This particular type of cancer can affect the: Lips. Tongue. Larynx or voice box.

Which cancer affects tongue?

The most common type of tongue cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Squamous cells are the flat, skin like cells that cover the lining of the mouth, nose, larynx, thyroid and throat. Squamous cell carcinoma is the name for a cancer that starts in these cells.

Can Stage 4 tongue cancer be cured?

People with stage IVB cancers that cannot be removed by surgery or who are too weak for surgery might be treated with radiation alone. Depending on a person's overall health, chemoradiation or chemotherapy first followed by radiation might be options. Chemotherapy alone may also be recommended.

Can oral cancer be cured completely?

If the cancer has not spread beyond the mouth or the part of your throat at the back of your mouth (oropharynx) a complete cure may be possible using surgery alone. If the cancer is large or has spread to your neck, a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be needed.

Where does squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue spread to?

The most common site for OSCC metastasis is cervical lymph nodes, and it reduces the survival rate by 50% 13, 14. Cancer cells usually spread to the lymph nodes on the same side of the cancer primary site.

Does tongue cancer spread fast?

Oral cancer lesions can be often asymptomatic until they are advanced, and the progression can occur rapidly.

How do they remove tongue cancer?

At Mayo Clinic, surgeons remove most tongue cancer through the mouth (transoral surgery). To remove the cancer, doctors may use cutting tools or lasers during surgery. Transoral robotic surgery.

How long do you live with tongue cancer?

For tongue cancer: around 80 out of 100 (around 80%) survive their cancer for a year or more after diagnosis. 60 out of 100 (60%) survive their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis. around 50 out of 100 (around 50%) survive their cancer for 10 years or more after diagnosis.

What is the best treatment for tongue cancer?

The most common treatment is surgery to remove the affected area. You might also have radiotherapy after surgery to try to prevent a cancer from coming back. This is known as adjuvant radiotherapy. Some people with early stage oral tongue cancer might have radiotherapy first.

What does cancer of tongue look like?

Cancer on the tongue first appears as a pinkish-red lump or sore on the sides of tongue margins. It may be numb or firm to feel and doesn't fade away over time. The characteristics of these lumps include: They may look like a patch or a lump or look like an ulcer.

What are cancers of the head and neck?

Cancers that are known collectively as head and neck cancers usually begin in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and...

What causes cancers of the head and neck?

Alcohol and tobacco use (including secondhand smoke and smokeless tobacco , sometimes called “chewing tobacco” or “snuff”) are the two most imp...

What are head and neck cancer symptoms?

Head and neck cancer symptoms may include a lump in the neck or a sore in the mouth or the throat that does not heal and may be painful, a sore thr...

How common are head and neck cancers?

Head and neck cancers account for nearly 4% of all cancers in the United States ( 31 ).  These cancers are more than twice as common among men as t...

How can I reduce my risk of developing head and neck cancers?

People who are at risk of head and neck cancers―particularly those who use tobacco―should talk with their doctor about ways to stop using tobacco t...

How are head and neck cancers treated?

Head and neck cancer treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy , chemotherapy , targeted therapy , immunotherapy , or a combination of t...

What are the side effects of head and neck cancer treatment?

Surgery for head and neck cancers may affect the patient’s ability to chew, swallow, or talk. The patient may look different after surgery, and the...

What rehabilitation or support options are available for patients with head and neck cancers?

The goal of treatment for head and neck cancers is to control the disease. But doctors are also concerned about preserving the function of the affe...

Is follow-up care necessary? What does it involve?

Regular follow-up care is very important after treatment for head and neck cancer to make sure that the cancer has not returned and that a second p...

Are There Different Kinds of Head and Neck Cancer?

There are many types of head and neck cancers. Your doctor can tell you more about the type you have. Here are some of the most common types and ho...

How Does The Doctor Know I Have Head and Neck Cancer?

These cancers may not be found until they cause problems that make the person go to the doctor. Sometimes changes are seen during a routine visit t...

How Serious Is My Cancer?

If you have head or neck cancer, the doctor will want to find out how far it has spread. This is called staging. You may have heard other people sa...

What Kind of Treatment Will I Need?

There are many ways to treat head or neck cancer, but the main types of treatment are local or systemic.Surgery and radiation are used to treat onl...

What Will Happen After Treatment?

You’ll be glad when treatment is over. But it’s hard not to worry about cancer coming back. Even when cancer never comes back, people still worry a...

What are the risks of exposure to wood dust?

Industrial exposure to wood or nickel dust or formaldehyde is a risk factor for cancers of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity ( 20 – 22 ). Radiation exposure. Radiation to the head and neck, for noncancerous conditions or cancer, is a risk factor for cancer of the salivary glands ( 16, 23, 24 ). Epstein-Barr virus infection.

What is the risk factor for nasopharyngeal cancer?

Epstein-Barr virus infection. Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus is a risk factor for nasopharyngeal cancer ( 25) and cancer of the salivary glands ( 26, 27 ). Ancestry. Asian ancestry, particularly Chinese ancestry, is a risk factor for nasopharyngeal cancer ( 14, 15 ).

What are the most common causes of head and neck cancer?

At least 75% of head and neck cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use ( 6 ).

What is the goal of a stoma rehabilitation?

The goals of rehabilitation depend on the extent of the disease and the treatment that a patient has received. Depending on the location of the cancer and the type of treatment, rehabilitation may include physical therapy, dietary counseling, speech therapy, and/or learning how to care for a stoma.

Where does head and neck cancer start?

Cancers that are known collectively as head and neck cancers usually begin in the squamous cells that line the moist, mucosal surfaces inside the head and neck (for example, inside the mouth, the nose, and the throat). These squamous cell cancers are often referred to as squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

Is oropharyngeal cancer increasing?

In the United States, the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers caused by HPV infection is increasing, while the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers related to other causes is falling ( 9 ). More information is available at the HPV and Cancer page. Other risk factors for cancers of the head and neck include the following:

What is clinical trial?

Clinical trials are research studies conducted with people who volunteer to take part. Participation in clinical trials is an option for many patients with head and neck cancer. Ongoing clinical trials are testing the effectiveness of treatments for head and neck cancers.

What is it called when cancer spreads to the lung?

To doctors, the cancer cells in the new place look just like the ones from the oral cavity or oropharynx where it started. Cancer is always named for the place where it starts. So when oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer spreads to the lung (or any other place), it’s still called oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer.

What is the name of the cancer that starts in the mouth?

Cancer that starts in the mouth is called oral cavity cancer. Cancer that starts in the middle part of the throat is called oropharyngeal cancer. These cancers start when cells in the oral cavity or oropharynx grow out of control and crowd out normal cells. Cancer that starts in the head and neck area can have many different names depending on ...

What is the test for cancer?

Gene and protein tests: The cancer cells in the biopsy tissue might be tested for genes or proteins. Knowing which genes or proteins your cancer has can help the doctor decide if treatments like immunotherapy might help. The cancer might also be tested for a protein that is linked to HPV infection.

What is the most common type of cancer in the mouth and oropharynx?

The most common type of cancer in the oral cavity and oropharynx is called squamous cell carcinoma (cancer). These cancers start in the squamous cells that line the mouth (oral cavity) and the middle part of the throat (oropharynx).

How does chemo work?

Chemo is the short word for chemotherapy – the use of drugs to fight cancer. The drugs may be given into a vein or taken as pills. These drugs go into the blood and spread through the body. Chemo is given in cycles or rounds. Each round of treatment is followed by a break. This gives the body time to recover. Most of the time, 2 or more chemo drugs are given. Treatment often lasts for many months.

Where does cancer grow?

The treatment plan that’s best for you will depend on: Where the cancer started growing – the oral cavity (mouth) or the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat right behind the mouth) The stage of the cancer. If the cancer is linked to an HPV infection.

How to treat cancer of the oropharynx?

There are many ways to treat cancer of the oral cavity or oropharynx. Surgery and radiation are used to treat only the cancer. They do not affect the rest of the body. Chemotherapy , targeted therapy drugs, and immunotherapy drugs go through the whole body. They can reach cancer cells almost anywhere in the body.

What to do if you have cancer in your neck?

Regional Recurrence Treatment. Your cancer is in lymph nodes near where it started the first time. If this happens, you’ll get surgery to remove the lymph nodes in your neck. You may get radiation after surgery. If surgery isn’t an option, you may get radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.

How long do you see a doctor after cancer treatment?

These visits are an important part of watching for signs of cancer recurrence. Diagnosis. You'll see your cancer doctor for many years after treatment ends. At these visits, you’re checked for long-term side effects, new problems, and cancer recurrence.

What to do if you have oral cancer?

If surgery isn’t an option, you may get radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. Distant Recurrence Treatment. Your oral cancer has come back in other parts of your body. When it comes back in another part of your body, such as your lungs, doctors prefer to do chemo or targeted therapy.

How to stop oral cancer from coming back?

There’s no sure way to keep oral cancer from coming back after treatment, but there are things you can do to help lower the chance of it happening. Quit tobacco. If you smoke or use any other form of tobacco, the most important thing you can do is quit. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.

Can you get radiation if you have cancer?

Your cancer is in the same place it started the first time. If you already had radiation therapy, you may get surgery to take out the new tumor. You probably won’t get external radiation, since doctors rarely use it to treat the same place. But you may be able to get internal radiation (called brachytherapy).

Can cancer come back after treatment?

Your medical team will do everything possible to try to make sure that you don’t have a recurrence. But cancercan come back when a few cancercells are hidden in the body after treatment. Over time, they can grow into a tumor.

Is it hard to cure oral cancer?

It’s hard to cure oral cancer that has spread. But treatment can help shrink the tumor and slow its growth. Palliative careis also important for anyone with cancer. It includes taking care of any pain, eating problems, and difficult emotions you may be dealing with, as well as your disease.

How to treat tongue cancer?

The three kinds of treatment used for tongue cancer are: 1 Surgery: Removal of the cancerous tumor and the surrounding tissue 2 Radiotherapy: Uses high-energy particles from radioactive elements to kill cancerous cells left behind after surgery 3 Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to destroy cancerous cells and tissues (the two most common types of chemotherapy agents are cisplatin and fluorouracil)

What is the cancer of the tongue called?

Overview. Cancer of the tongue generally falls into two categories or types of cancer—oral or oropharyngeal cancer. There are two portions of the tongue. Most of it is the part that you normally see and can voluntarily move. If cancer originates in this portion of the tongue, it's usually called oral cancer .

What is the name of the cancer that is caused by squamous cell tissue?

Cancer that arises from squamous cell tissue is called squamous cell carcinoma. The vast majority of tongue cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, although there are other, rare, types of tongue cancer; they are named after the tissue or structure from which they originate.

What is the prognosis for tongue cancer?

If you are diagnosed with tongue cancer, your doctor may give you a prognosis—an understanding of the probable course of your disease. It's important to keep in mind that some people with a very poor prognosis are able to recover from their illness, while others with a very positive prognosis may succumb to theirs.

How many types of treatment are there for tongue cancer?

People diagnosed early may need only surgical treatment, whereas those with advanced tongue cancer may need two or even all three types of treatment . The three kinds of treatment used for tongue cancer are: Surgery: Removal of the cancerous tumor and the surrounding tissue.

Can tongue cancer cause ear pain?

Rarely, symptoms of tongue cancer can also include ear pain. You should call your doctor anytime you have unexplained symptoms of tongue cancer. Make sure you visit your dentist every six months as your dentist may be the most likely person to notice any subtle abnormalities in your mouth and on your tongue.

Can you see the base of your tongue?

You also can't see the base of your own tongue. Like other types of cancer, tongue cancer is further classified by the type of tissue from which it originates. Squamous cells, for example, are long, flat, superficial cells that cover the lining of the tongue. Cancer that arises from squamous cell tissue is called squamous cell carcinoma.

What is it called when you have a tongue that sticks out?

One is called oral tongue cancer because it affects the part you can stick out. The other happens at the base of your tongue, where it connects to your throat. This type, called oropharyngeal cancer, is often diagnosed after it has spread to the lymph nodes in your neck.

How do you know if you have cancer on your tongue?

Symptoms. One of the first signs of tongue cancer is a lump or sore on the side of your tongue that doesn’t go away. It may be pinkish-red in color. Sometimes the sore will bleed if you touch or bite it. You may also have: Pain in or near your tongue. Changes in your voice, like sounding hoarse. Trouble swallowing.

What causes cancer on the base of the tongue?

Causes. The human papillomavirus ( HPV) can cause cancers on the base of the tongue. HPV also can infect your genital area and cause cervical cancer, penile cancer, and anal cancer. It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection. There are many types of HPV.

How to remove tumor from tongue?

Surgery is often the best way to remove a tumor from the part of your tongue you can see. Your doctor will probably take out some healthy tissue and nearby lymph nodes as well, to make sure all the cancer is gone. If the cancer is on the back of your tongue, you may have radiation therapy (X-rays and other radiation).

Why is it called oral tongue cancer?

Treatment. Prevention. This is one of several kinds of oral ( mouth) cancers. Like other cancers, it happens when cells divide out of control and form a growth, or tumor. There are two types. One is called oral tongue cancer because it affects the part you can stick out.

What happens if you have a sore on your tongue?

You may also have: Pain in or near your tongue. Changes in your voice, like sounding hoarse. Trouble swallowing. If you have a sore on your tongue or in your mouth that doesn’t get better in a couple of weeks, see your doctor. If the problem is at the base of your tongue, you may not notice any symptoms.

What to do if you have cancer on your tongue?

If the cancer is on the back of your tongue, you may have radiation therapy (X-rays and other radiation). Sometimes the best treatment is a combination of chemotherapy, or cancer-fighting drugs, and radiation. You might need therapy afterward to help you chew, move your tongue, swallow, and speak better.

What does it mean when you have a lump on your tongue?

If you experience any weird symptoms like difficulty swallowing, discomfort in your throat, or a lump in your neck, make an appointment with your doctor. It’s always better to be on the safe side. That said, just because you notice a lesion or spot on your tongue doesn’t mean you have cancer.

How to tell if you have cancer on your tongue?

With oral tongue cancer, early symptoms are usually easy to spot. People may feel a lump or notice an ulcer or discoloration on the surface of the tongue. Ulcers or lumps may bleed. The discoloration is usually pink in color but can also be white or yellow ...

How long does it take for tongue cancer to go away?

If your symptoms aren’t going away, though, it’s best to see a dentist or doctor for a diagnosis. Generally, if a symptom doesn't go away within two weeks , you should make an appointment to see a doctor. The following tests will help a doctor diagnose tongue cancer: X-rays. Computed tomography (CT) scans.

What is the part of the tongue that sticks out?

Cancer of the tongue can happen on the part of the tongue called the oral tongue, which is the front two-thirds, or on the back one-third of the tongue, also known as the base of the tongue. The oral tongue is the part of the tongue that sits in the mouth and that you can stick out. The base of the tongue is the portion of the tongue that extends down the throat.

What is the survival rate of tongue cancer?

Some later-stage symptoms of this type of cancer include: According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for tongue cancer averages about 67%.

What is the most common form of cancer on the base of the tongue?

Early signs of cancer on the base of the tongue can be difficult to see. The most common form of tongue cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. 1. Below, we look at some of the symptoms of tongue cancer and go over when it’s time to see a doctor. Minerva Studio / Getty Images.

How long does it take to live with tongue cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for tongue cancer averages about 67%. When tongue cancer is still localized, the five-year survival rate is about 82%. 5.

What is a stoma in a larynx?

A stoma is an opening into the windpipe through which a patient breathes after a laryngectomy, which is surgery to remove the larynx. The National Library of Medicine has more information about laryngectomy in MedlinePlus. Sometimes, especially with cancer of the oral cavity, a patient may need reconstructive and plastic surgery to rebuild bones ...

Why do you need reconstructive surgery?

However, reconstructive surgery may not always be possible because of damage to the remaining tissue from the original surgery or from radiation therapy.

What is the purpose of rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is a very important part of this process. The goals of rehabilitation depend on the extent of the disease and the treatment that a patient has received. Depending on the location of the cancer and the type of treatment, rehabilitation may include physical therapy, dietary counseling, speech therapy, ...

What is the goal of head and neck cancer treatment?

The goal of treatment for head and neck cancers is to control the disease, but doctors are also concerned about preserving the function of the affected areas as much as they can and helping the patient return to normal activities as soon as possible after treatment.

What is the importance of regular follow up after head and neck cancer?

What Does it Involve? Regular follow-up care is very important after treatment for head and neck cancer to make sure that the cancer has not returned, or that a second primary (new) cancer has not developed. Depending on the type of cancer, medical checkups could include exams of the stoma, if one has been created, and of the mouth, neck, ...

What is the job of a speech pathologist?

Often, a speech-language pathologist will visit the patient in the hospital to plan therapy and teach speech exercises or alternative methods of speaking. Speech therapy usually continues after the patient returns home. Eating may be difficult after treatment for head and neck cancer.

What kind of checkups are needed for cancer?

Depending on the type of cancer, medical checkups could include exams of the stoma, if one has been created, and of the mouth, neck, and throat. Regular dental exams may also be necessary.

What type of cancer is in the base of the tongue?

Cancer that develops in the base of the tongue is a type of head and neck cancer . Almost all cancers in the base of the tongue are squamous cell carcinomas, which form in the thin, flat cells that line the larynx. Squamous cells also make up the top layer of skin and other body parts such as the lungs and esophagus.

What is the head and neck cancer center?

UT Southwestern Medical Center’s head and neck cancer experts have the experience and training to treat complex cancers such as those affecting the base of the tongue. We offer exceptional care and supportive services to guide patients and their families from diagnosis through the treatment journey.

What is the treatment for cancer in the neck?

Neck dissection to remove one or more lymph nodes or other tissues in the neck, if cancer has spread there. Radiation therapy: Our doctors often use radiation, treatment with high-energy waves such as X-rays, to destroy cancer cells left after surgery. Radiation therapy can also treat inoperable tumors.

What is the back third of the tongue called?

The back third of the tongue, which starts in the throat, is known as the base of the tongue. It is part of the oropharynx, which also includes the tonsils, the walls of the throat, and the soft palate (back part of the roof of the mouth). Cancer that develops in the base of the tongue is a type of head and neck cancer.

What are the symptoms of a sore throat that doesn't go away?

Patients should see their doctors if they experience any of these symptoms and they don’t go away: Difficulty moving the tongue. Ear pain. Difficulty swallowing. Sore throat that does not go away. White or red patches on the tongue or lining of the mouth. Lump in the back of the mouth, throat, or neck.

What is the procedure to remove the tongue?

Glossectomy to remove part or all of the tongue, which then requires reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation to regain the ability to speak and swallow. Laryngectomy to remove the larynx (voice box) if cancer has spread to it, which also involves surgery to create a stoma (hole) for breathing.

What is the difference between a CT and MRI?

Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT uses specialized X-rays with or without a contrast agent to produce cross-sectional, 3D images of the mouth and throat. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnet, with or without a contrast agent, to produce detailed images of the mouth and throat.

Overview

Treatment

Symptoms

Prevention

Prognosis

Risk Factors

Causes

Diagnosis

Classification

Epidemiology