TONGUE CANCER Meaning and
Definition
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Tongue cancer, also known as oral tongue cancer or squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, is a type of malignant disease that affects the tissues of the tongue. It is categorized as a subtype of oral cavity cancer and is primarily characterized by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the tongue.
The condition typically originates in the thin, flat cells on the surface of the tongue and can spread to nearby structures, such as the surrounding lymph nodes or other parts of the oral cavity. Tongue cancer mainly affects the front two-thirds of the tongue, known as the oral or anterior tongue, although it can also affect the base of the tongue in some cases.
Common symptoms of tongue cancer include the development of oral ulcers or sores that do not heal, persistent pain or discomfort in the mouth or tongue, difficulty in chewing or swallowing, and unexplained growths or lumps. Other signs may include a persistent sore throat, changes in speech, or a sensation of something continuously being stuck in the throat.
Tongue cancer can be caused by various factors, including tobacco use (both smoking and smokeless), excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged exposure to the sun, a family history of oral cancer, or certain viral infections like human papillomavirus (HPV).
Diagnosis of tongue cancer typically involves a thorough examination of the mouth and tongue by a healthcare professional, followed by a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Treatment options may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches, depending on the stage and extent of the disease.
Early detection and prompt treatment can significantly improve the prognosis for tongue cancer, highlighting the importance of regular dental check-ups and oral cancer screenings.
Common Misspellings for TONGUE CANCER
- rongue cancer
- fongue cancer
- gongue cancer
- yongue cancer
- 6ongue cancer
- 5ongue cancer
- tingue cancer
- tkngue cancer
- tlngue cancer
- tpngue cancer
- t0ngue cancer
- t9ngue cancer
- tobgue cancer
- tomgue cancer
- tojgue cancer
- tohgue cancer
- tonfue cancer
- tonvue cancer
- tonbue cancer
- tonhue cancer
Etymology of TONGUE CANCER
The word "tongue cancer" is composed of two parts: "tongue" and "cancer".
The term "tongue" has Old English roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "tungǭ", meaning "tongue". Over time, it evolved into "tunge" in Old English and eventually became "tongue" in modern English.
As for "cancer", its etymology is rooted in Latin. The word derives from the Latin term "cancer", which translates to "crab". This naming was inspired by the resemblance of certain cancerous masses to the shape of a crab. The word was then borrowed into Old English as "cancer", and it retained its form as "cancer" in modern English.
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