Is That Mouth Sore Serious? | Early Signs of Tongue Cancer

Is That Mouth Sore Serious? | Early Signs of Tongue Cancer with Dr. Siddharth Chakrabarty

We all experience occasional mouth sores — from hot food, accidental bites, or stress. But what if that sore doesn’t go away? According to Dr. Siddharth Chakrabarty, a trusted cancer specialist, a persistent sore might be an early sign of tongue cancer, a condition that’s more treatable when detected early.

🔍 What Is Tongue Cancer?

Tongue cancer is a type of oral cancer that forms in the squamous cells lining the tongue. It can develop in two main areas:

• The oral tongue – the front two-thirds, visible in your mouth

• The base of the tongue – part of the throat, harder to detect

Early detection and timely treatment are crucial to prevent the cancer from spreading.

⚠️ Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Dr. Chakrabarty advises looking out for symptoms that persist beyond two weeks. Common warning signs include:

• A sore or ulcer on the tongue that doesn’t heal

• A red, white, or mixed-color patch on the tongue

• A lump or thickened area on the tongue

• Pain or burning while eating or drinking

• Unexplained bleeding from the tongue

• Numbness or tingling in the tongue or mouth

• Difficulty moving the tongue or speaking clearly

💡 Note: Smokers, tobacco chewers, and heavy drinkers are at higher risk and should be extra cautious.

🚬 What Causes Tongue Cancer?

Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing tongue cancer:

• Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection

• Poor oral hygiene

• Family history of oral cancers

🧪 Diagnosis & Tests

If tongue cancer is suspected, Dr. Chakrabarty typically recommends:

• A thorough oral examination

• A biopsy of any suspicious lesion

• Imaging tests like CT, MRI, or PET scan to check the extent of spread

🩺 Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage and location of the tumor. Common treatments include:

• Surgical removal of the tumor

• Radiation therapy, often used post-surgery

• Chemotherapy for advanced cases

• Targeted therapy or immunotherapy in selected cases

With early diagnosis, many patients recover fully and return to their normal lives.

💬 When to See a Specialist

If you have a sore, lump, or patch on your tongue that doesn’t improve within two weeks, it’s time to see a specialist. Early evaluation can prevent complications and lead to better outcomes.

Dr. Siddharth Chakrabarty encourages everyone to take persistent oral symptoms seriously and not wait for them to worsen.

✅ Final Thoughts

That lingering mouth sore might be more than just an irritation. With rising oral cancer rates, especially linked to lifestyle habits, being proactive about your health is essential.

👉 Don’t ignore the signs. If something feels off, consult a specialist like Dr. Siddharth Chakrabarty. Early detection could save your life.