What is the first treatment for tongue cancer?

The tongue has a major role in speaking, chewing and swallowing, so the plan aims to treat the cancer while preserving function where possible. The team assesses the tumour’s position and depth, examines the mouth and neck, and uses imaging or tissue information to understand spread. Surgery may remove the tumour with a margin of surrounding tissue and may include treatment of neck lymph nodes. Radiotherapy can be used when local control requires it, either as a main treatment in selected cases or after surgery.

Ask the head and neck team how the proposed treatment could affect speech, swallowing, taste and appearance. A speech and swallowing specialist may help before or after treatment, and a dietitian can support adequate nourishment if eating becomes difficult. If radiotherapy is planned, ask about mouth care and the timing of dental assessment. Your treatment team should explain the purpose of each step and how recovery will be supported.

Arrange prompt assessment for a mouth ulcer, tongue patch, lump, pain or unexplained bleeding that does not settle, especially if speaking or swallowing is becoming harder. During treatment, seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow fluids, heavy bleeding or signs of infection such as fever with worsening mouth pain.

Where is the tumour and how far has it extended? Is surgery recommended first? Could radiotherapy be part of my plan? What support is available for speech, swallowing and nutrition? How will the neck be assessed?