The most serious tongue cancer symptom is problems swallowing and breathing. If left untreated, a tongue cancer tumour can grow so large that it pushes the tongue backwards into the patient's throat. This blocks the throat and windpipe. At this point, it's really serious with a much poorer prognosis than if the patient had seen a dentist earlier.

         The first tongue cancer symptom can be a firm white patch on the surface of the tongue. The patch tends to change with time and can later develop into a nasty ulcer. The ulcer is a serious presentation and generally has a firm and raised rim with a bleeding center. At this stage, a brush biopsy is a simple test that can easily be done to help determine the seriousness of the lesion.

          Another tongue cancer symptom is a small lump inside or on the surface of the tongue. Malignancies usually grow fast and this small lump can develop into the size of a golf or tennis ball. There is often very little pain with small lesions but with time, the pain usually gets worse. The breakdown of the surrounding tissues can lead to bad breath and difficulty eating, speaking and swallowing.

         Tongue cancer often occurs in older adults who wear dentures. Difficulty wearing dentures can be a tongue cancer symptom. The lesions or tumours can make it uncomfortable wearing a partial or denture. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Both Dr. Padolsky and Dr. Smith would be honored to care for you. If you want to consult with Dr. Padolsky, please make an appointment by calling 404-874-7428. It could be the very best thing you ever have done!