What should you know about skin cancer on tongue?

Tongue cancer may affect the side or underside of the tongue and can cause a sore that does not heal, a firm area, unexplained bleeding, numbness, pain, or a change in speech. Many mouth sores are caused by injury, infection, or irritation. The appearance alone cannot distinguish these causes.

An oral health professional or doctor may inspect the mouth, feel the tongue and neck, and arrange tissue sampling. The assessment considers duration, location, smoking or alcohol exposure, dental irritation, and changes in swallowing or movement.

Arrange a review when a tongue sore, thickened patch, lump, colour change, or unexplained pain persists or returns. Check for a sharp tooth, denture edge, or recent bite, but do not assume irritation is the cause if the area does not settle.

If cancer is diagnosed, treatment may include tumour removal surgery, radiotherapy, or a combination. The plan depends on the exact site, depth, nearby structures, lymph nodes, and overall health.

Seek prompt care for a non-healing mouth ulcer, a firm tongue lump, unexplained bleeding, persistent numbness, or a neck lump. Seek urgent help if swelling affects breathing, swallowing becomes unsafe, or bleeding does not stop. Do not wait for pain: some concerning tongue changes can be painless.

Ask how the area will be examined, whether a biopsy is needed, and which symptoms suggest involvement beyond the tongue. If cancer is confirmed, ask what surgery or radiotherapy would involve, how speech and swallowing may be supported, and how follow-up will be arranged.