Tongue cancer is a type of oral cancer. When tongue cells begin to multiply rapidly, they can form a tumor. There are two types of tongue cancer: one form applies to the part of your tongue that sticks out and the other forms at the base. The second form of tongue cancer is more severe, as the base of the tongue connects to the throat, allowing the cancer to easily spread to the lymph nodes.
Tongue cancer, in either of its forms, is not a very common type of cancer. Older adults are more likely to be affected, as it is considered uncommon among other age groups and rare in children. That’s generally because tongue cancer can develop due to HPV, smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, or poor oral health.