Well yeah the title may sound too much of an exaggeration but, If you find it increasingly difficult to stick your tongue out and pose for a picture then there could probably be something wrong. Not to scare you but the numbness of your tongue could indicate tongue cancer. Cancer is a dreadful disease, and having it on your tongue sounds like a painful idea. Living life with cancer is already a tough one now having it on the tongue makes the situation even more complicated. The problem aggravates by not understanding its symptoms. You should know the symptoms of tongue cancer so that you are either able to avoid it or at least be prepared.

The Human Tongue

There are two parts of the tongue, one would be the oral tongue and the other is the base of the tongue. The cancer cells may develop in either of the parts. Oral tongue, the part which is commonly seen, for instance when you stick your tongue out, makes up a total of two thirds of your tongue. The cancer developing in the oral portion is known as a mouth cancer. The base of your tongue makes up for one-third of the tongue and is near your throat or in biological terms, the pharynx. Cancers in this part care called oropharyngeal cancers. You will be very wrong to ignore any of the following symptoms that are attached to tongue cancer.

The Symptoms

There are numerous symptoms of tongue cancer, some of them are mentioned below.

Patches on the Tongue

You can get white and red patches on your tongue, this is a symptom. This patch can be situated anywhere on the tongue, and is usually firm and has raised edges. Then you will notice that with time the patch is growing in size and becoming firmer and harder.

Bleeding of the Patch

The patch will be relatively soft and can bleed easily on the central portion. If in case you put pressure on the spot then it will bleed quite easily. Pressure can be exerted on the cancer spot in the form of chewing, drinking, or swallowing. This spot is actually very tender and this is why any sort of pressure leads to its bleeding. Such an unexplained bleeding could mean that you are experiencing one of the tongue cancer symptoms.

Pain

You will experience pain when you are chewing or swallowing foods, and this is yet another indication of cancer in the tongue.

Ulcer

At times you may also develop an ulcer or a sore on the tongue, within the oral cavity, which actually no signs of resolving or subsiding.

Other Symptoms:

Other symptoms are frequent sore throat, numbness in the tongue as well the mouth, a change in voice, tongue rigidity with reduced movements and or bad breath. Rarely people also do complain of earache. Also, read about: Mobile Phones Can Cause Cancer.

Takeaway

Cancer undoubtedly is a matter of concern and you should ask for professional medical help if you think you may have cancer. As a patient, however, you should always keep in mind that cancer is not the end of the line. There are treatments and clinical trials that have proven to improve the conditions if not downright treat it.

Also, Read About: Fast Food & Cancer - Is there a relation?

For more information and free personalized guidance, talk to Credihealth Medical Experts today.Featured image source: Daxon Dentistry.