What should you know about melanoma in the tongue?

A brown, black, blue, red, or mixed-colour patch on the tongue can have several explanations, including trauma, medication effects, harmless pigmentation, or another mouth condition. Melanoma is considered when a mark persists, changes, enlarges, bleeds, or develops an irregular border. A dentist, oral-medicine clinician, ear-nose-and-throat specialist, or dermatologist may examine the mouth and neck. Tissue testing is what confirms the diagnosis, while imaging may show whether nearby or distant areas need assessment.

Book an appointment rather than waiting for a tongue mark to settle if it has lasted or is changing. Note when it appeared, any bleeding or soreness, tobacco or irritant exposure, and medicines you use. Do not scrape or burn the area. If testing confirms melanoma, treatment may involve surgical removal, evaluation of lymph nodes, and medicines such as immunotherapy, tailored to the lesion and staging results.

Seek same-day medical help if tongue swelling causes trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking, or if bleeding will not stop with gentle pressure. Arrange prompt review for a sore that does not heal, repeated bleeding, numbness, a growing lump, or a neck swelling. These features need assessment but do not by themselves identify melanoma.

Ask which specialist will perform the examination, whether a biopsy is needed, how eating and speaking may be affected by treatment, and whether neck imaging or lymph-node testing is appropriate. Confirm who will explain the pathology result and arrange follow-up.