A rotting hole in the tongue is not necessarily cancer, and there is a clear definition of cancer diagnosis. Generally, the diagnosis of cancer requires a biopsy of localized tissues, and the biopsy can only be diagnosed as cancer if there are clear abnormal cell divisions under pathology. However, as for the symptom of a hole in the tongue, there are a number of clinical conditions that may produce such a phenomenon. For example, severe oral ulcers, also known as perioral ulcers, may cause a hole-like lesion on the tongue and severe pain, but this lesion can usually be treated and healed, leaving only a scar, which is not a sign of cancer. There are also sharp tips or stumps in the mouth. This is called a traumatic ulcer and is not a sign of cancer. However, it is important to note that traumatic ulcers can become cancerous if they are irritated for a long period of time, so you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible.