Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of tongue cancer. It usually appears as a pinkish-gray or red bump or sore on the side of the tongue. Symptoms include changes in the tongue's appearance, pain, and problems tasting or speaking. Squamous cell carcinoma generally affects older adults and is more common in men, as smoking and drinking alcohol increase risk. Treatment options depend on the size and extent of cancer but may include surgery, laser therapy, radiation, or chemotherapy. Regular dental exams and avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol, and sun exposure can help prevent squamous cell carcinoma.

1. SQUAMOUS CELL
CARCINOMA DISEASE
By: Zarna Patel, Felicia Carrozza, and Nicolle Arendt

2. EWW?! WHAT IS IT?!
 Most common of tongue cancers
 Usually on the lateral border (side) of tongue
 Somewhat of a pinkish-gray to red in color

3. SYMPTOMS
 Bumps or sores
 Burning feeling
 Change in color, such as a white or dark tongue
 Hairy texture or appearance
 Itching
 Movement problems
 Pain and soreness
 Patches or spots that can be red, white, smooth or raised
 Swelling, enlargement or bloating
 Taste problems
 Tremor

4. WHO HAS IT?
 Generally affects the older age groups—although a rare few in
their 20’s and 30’s have it
 More men than women because statistically, more men than
women smoke/drink than women
 Any race can be affected

5. TREATMENTS
 It usually depends on the size, but it can be removed by:
• Minor surgery (or tropical medicine)
• Simple excision
• Mohs Surgery
• Laser therapy
• Freezing
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

6. HOW CAN I PREVENT IT?
 Regular oral checkups
 Try to refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco
 Decrease alcohol consumption
 Avoid chronic sun exposure

7. WORKS CITED 
 American Oral Cancer Clinic (2011). Tongue Cancer. Retrieved from
http://www.tonguecancer.com/tongue_cancer.htm
 Cancer-Info-Guide.com (2011). Tongue Cancer or Cancer of the Tongue. Retrieved from
http://www.cancer-info-guide.com/tongue-cancer.html
 Cancer8 (2012). Tongue Cancer Breakthrough. Retrieved from http://www.cancer8.com/tongue-
cancer/breakthrough.html
 Ketcham, S. (2012). How to Prevent Oral Cancer. Retrieved from
http://www.ehow.com/how_5016233_prevent-oral-cancer.html
 Medicinenet.com (2012). Oral Cancer. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/oral_cancer/article.htm
 OCF, Inc. (2011). The Oral Cancer Foundation. Retrieved from http://oralcancerfoundation.org