Root of tongue cancer without spread, i.e., without distant metastasis, is not necessarily early stage root of tongue cancer.
Root of tongue cancer refers to cancer that occurs in the posterior 1/3 of the tongue, which belongs to the category of oropharyngeal cancer. According to TNM classification and staging, only carcinoma in situ or tumors with maximum diameter ≤2cm, without local lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis can be early stage (stage 0, stage I).
If the maximum diameter of tongue root cancer is ≥2cm, or if there is local lymph node metastasis, or if the tumor, regardless of its size, invades adjacent structures, such as adjacent soft tissues, bone tissues, and the deep muscle groups of the tongue, all of them are classified as intermediate or advanced stage (Stage III, Stage IV).
There is no spread of tongue root cancer, no metastasis to distant lung, liver, brain, bone and other tissues, but if the diameter of local tumor is larger than 2cm, or there is local lymph node metastasis, or invades local adjacent tissues, they are not in early stage, and they are all designated as intermediate or advanced stage.
Due to the frequent movement of tongue and rich lymphatic vessels and blood circulation, once tongue cancer occurs, early cervical lymph node metastasis is very easy to occur, which will affect the treatment effect and survival rate of patients, therefore, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of tongue cancer are especially important.
Therefore, early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment of tongue cancer are especially important. If there is any symptom such as tongue discomfort, one should consult a doctor in time, complete the examination, make a clear diagnosis, and standardize the treatment under the guidance of a professional doctor, so as to avoid delaying the condition.