Jeana Keough, the 70 year old former star of “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” has announced that she has been diagnosed with tongue cancer. According to reports, she is now undergoing treatment for the disease. Tongue cancer is a type of oral cancer that can affect the front or the base of the tongue, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are key to improving outcomes.

Key Takeaways

  • Jeana Keough, 70, has been diagnosed with tongue cancer, a form of oral cancer.
  • Tongue cancer can occur on the oral tongue (the front part) or the base of the tongue (the back part).
  • Common symptoms include a persistent sore, lump, or pain in the tongue, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice.
  • Treatment typically involves surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches.
  • Early detection significantly improves the chance of successful treatment and survival.

What Is Tongue Cancer?

Tongue cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that begins when cells in the tongue grow out of control. It can be divided into two main types: cancer of the oral tongue, which is the part you can see and stick out, and cancer of the base of the tongue, which is the back part near the throat. The base of the tongue is considered part of the oropharynx, and cancers there are often diagnosed at a later stage because symptoms may be less obvious.

Most tongue cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, meaning they start in the thin, flat cells that line the tongue. The disease can spread to lymph nodes in the neck and to other parts of the body if not treated promptly.

Symptoms of Tongue Cancer

The signs of tongue cancer can vary depending on where the tumor is located. For oral tongue cancer, symptoms may include:

  • A red or white patch on the tongue that does not go away.
  • A lump or sore on the tongue that bleeds easily or does not heal.
  • Pain or tenderness in the tongue or mouth.
  • Difficulty moving the tongue or speaking clearly.

For cancer at the base of the tongue, symptoms often include:

  • Persistent sore throat or ear pain.
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
  • A feeling that something is stuck in the throat.
  • Changes in voice or hoarseness.

Because many of these symptoms can be caused by less serious conditions, anyone experiencing persistent signs should see a doctor or dentist for a thorough evaluation.

Risk Factors for Tongue Cancer

Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing tongue cancer. The most common risk factors include:

  • Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as using smokeless tobacco, significantly raises risk.
  • Alcohol consumption: Heavy, long term alcohol use is another major risk factor, especially when combined with tobacco.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: HPV, particularly type 16, is linked to cancers of the base of the tongue and oropharynx.
  • Age: The risk increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in people over 60.
  • Gender: Men are twice as likely as women to develop tongue cancer.
  • Poor oral hygiene: Chronic irritation or poor dental health may contribute to risk.
  • Weakened immune system: Conditions that suppress the immune system can increase susceptibility.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing tongue cancer usually begins with a physical exam. A doctor or dentist may feel for lumps in the neck, mouth, and tongue. If something suspicious is found, a biopsy is performed. During a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope for cancer cells. Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans are often used to determine the stage of cancer and whether it has spread.

Treatment depends on the location, size, and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatment options include:

  • Surgery: Removing the tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue. For small tumors, this may be minimally invasive. Larger tumors may require more extensive surgery, including removal of part of the tongue (partial glossectomy) or lymph nodes in the neck.
  • Radiation therapy: High energy beams used to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone for early stage cancers or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
  • Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill cancer cells throughout the body. Often used in combination with radiation for advanced or high risk cancers.
  • Targeted therapy: Medications that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth, sometimes used when other treatments are not effective.

Rehabilitation after treatment may involve speech therapy, swallowing therapy, and nutritional support to help patients regain function.

Prognosis and Outlook

The outlook for tongue cancer depends largely on the stage at diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, the five year relative survival rate for localized oral tongue cancer (cancer that has not spread beyond the tongue) is about 80% to 90%. For cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the rate drops to around 60% to 70%. For distant spread, the rate is much lower. Cancer at the base of the tongue tends to have a lower survival rate because it is often diagnosed later. Early detection and treatment remain the most important factors for a good outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes tongue cancer?

The exact cause of tongue cancer is not always known, but several risk factors are strongly linked to the disease. Tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) are among the most common causes. Chronic irritation from poor oral hygiene or ill fitting dentures may also play a role. In some cases, no clear risk factor is identified.

Is tongue cancer curable?

Yes, tongue cancer can be curable, especially when caught early. The likelihood of cure depends on the stage of cancer at diagnosis, the location of the tumor, and the patient’s overall health. Early stage tongue cancer has a high cure rate with surgery or radiation. More advanced cancers may require a combination of treatments and have a lower chance of cure, but many patients still achieve long term remission.

What are the early signs of tongue cancer?

Early signs of tongue cancer can include a persistent sore or lump on the tongue that does not heal, a red or white patch, pain or tenderness, and difficulty moving the tongue. For cancer at the base of the tongue, early symptoms may be a sore throat, ear pain, or a feeling of something stuck in the throat. Any symptom that lasts for more than two weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

This is an original report by Vital Signs Today, informed by reporting from Google News. Read the original source.

This article is for information only and is not medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer.