is this tongue cancer?

Question

my sister has a sore painful lump at the back of her tongue,its been there for 3 months shes a (heavy smoker) and drinks a lot,shes been to see a specialist and shes having a biopsy done on friday,we have a family history of throat cancer,anyone had this problem with the tongue,or do you know of anyone,thanks

she was referred to the specialist by her dentist

Answer 1

same thing happened to my husband and it was cancer which had done spread then had to have a radical neck dissection in august of 06 radiation and now another surgery in april 07

Answer 2

Oral squamous cell carcinoma affects about 30,000 Americans each year. Ninety percent are smokers. Alcohol is also a risk factor. Early, curable lesions are rarely symptomatic; thus, preventing fatal disease requires early detection by screening. Treatment is with surgery, radiation, or both. The overall 5-yr survival rate is 52%.
Symptoms of Oral cancer.
Skin lesion, lump, or ulcer:
* On the tongue, lip, or other mouth area
* Usually small
* Most often pale colored, may be dark or discolored
* May be a deep, hard edged crack in the tissue
* Usually painless initially
* May develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is advanced
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
* Tongue problems
* Swallowing difficulty
* Mouth sores
* Abnormal taste
Please see the web pages for more details and images on Oral cancer.

Answer 3

Make sure you get a second opinion, if the biopsy comes back negative.
My brother had a sore on his tongue; went to see the Doctor. The Doctor said it was a mosquito bite. He died about 1 & 1/2 years later; throat cancer.

Answer 4

It's definitely important for her to see a specialist, most likely ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor in this case. They will take a look, take a biopsy and let her know if it is benign or malignant (cancerous). I have worked with patients with oral cancer. Symptoms include painful lumps that don't go away, the lump can be discolored (whitish). Heavy smoking and drinking increase risk significantly. Best to have her evaluated by a physician. Best of luck.

Answer 5

could be an absess , or even an ulser , there is a possibility of it being more , if the biopsy indicates it is not cancer this scare may be a good indication for your freind to quit smoking

Answer 6

it could be a different kind of infection or it is likely some kind of cancer. the lump might possibly be a tumor or something and if it is they can probably surgically remove it. best wishes to your sister. hope everything ends up ok.

Answer 7

you and your sister need to wait until she visits the doctor and get a professional opinion.