Bump on Tounge

[joanne23]

I've had this bump on my tounge for a couple of months. I think that it has gotten slightly bigger (but not much). It is about the size of a pencil eraser. It does not hurt at all and does not bleed or look like any type of sore per se. It just kind of looks like a really big tastebud. I do not smoke nor have I ever chewed tabacco or anything like that. What could this be? Should I be concerned about oral cancer?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Thanks for asking your question.

Without seeing the lesion myself, it is impossible to be sure of what it is.  

Head and neck cancers account for 2.9 percent of all cancer in the United States.  In particular, tongue cancer is rare in people under age 40, particularly women. It is most common in men over age 60.

Oral cancer is always a possibility even if you do not smoke nor chew tobacco.  Alcohol use is a risk factor.

Squamous cell cancers account for 90 to 95 percent of oral cavity and laryngeal tumors. Rare primary cancers include adenocarcinomas, adenoid cystic carcinomas, mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Also rare are salivary gland tumors, and melanoma, lymphoma, and leukemia involving the upper aerodigestive tract.

I would strongly suggest having this lesion evaluated by an oral surgeon.  Depending on what it looks like, a biopsy of the lesion will give a definitive answer.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[kevinmd]

Hello,
Please note that I will be unavailable until Wednesday, April 30th.  I look forward to answering your questions at that time.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[lizbeth219]

Hi--i have something similar to what you describe---did you get it checked out and what was it--hope you are ok  email ***@****