Tongue Cancer Facts

Cancer can affect any part of the oral cavity, including the tongue. As with all cancers early detection is the key to successful treatment. Fortunately tongue cancer can be detected early in its development by your family dentist or doctor during routine examinations. Treatment for tongue cancer may include radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of the two. According to the most recent report from the American Cancer Society, the survival rate for all stages of oral cavity cancers after 1 year is 82 percent.

Number of Cases

• According to the American Cancer Society there were more than 10,000 new cases of tongue cancer reported in the United States in 2008.

Number of Deaths

• Tongue cancer resulted in nearly 2,000 deaths in the United States in 2008.

Gender

• According to the American Cancer Society's latest report, tongue cancer is more than twice as prevalent in men as in women.

History

• The incidence of all oral cavity cancers, including tongue cancer, has been declining since the late 1970s.

Warning

• Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are the primary risk factors associated with tongue cancer.