Tongue cancer?

[Yai]

I've just noticed that the under-side of my tongue has black patches running along the centre.. is this normal? I'm 18 and have been smoking for a year.. concerned...

[Ouisch]

According to the Cancer Treatment Center:

<< Tongue Cancer Symptoms To Watch For:

Some key tongue cancer symptoms and oral cancer symptoms to watch for include a white or red patch on the tongue, gums, or lining of the mouth. Other tongue cancer symptoms are difficulty or pain in chewing or swallowing, and a sore throat that does not go away. Other tongue cancer symptoms, or mouth cancer symptoms, include pain in the ear, change in the voice, and unusual bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth.

Please keep in mind that these may be tongue cancer symptoms. These tongue cancer symptoms may also be caused by another unrelated health problem. It is important to see your doctor if you have tongue cancer symptoms so he can run some tests.   >>

Another tongue disorder:

Black hairy tongue
While the term 'black hairy tongue' suggests the tongue surface looks black, it may also be dark yellow, brown, green or white. The tongue papillae are constantly renewing themselves and, usually, the old cells are shed as the new cells emerge. Black hairy tongue, a comparatively rare condition, is caused by the failure of the old cells to shed. The overgrowth of papillae trap food and bacteria, which create the characteristic dark 'coat' on the tongue's surface, while the tongue looks furred because of the layering of unshed papillae. The cause isn't known, but risk factors include:
Poor oral hygiene
Cigarette smoking
Particular antibiotics
Chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancers of the head and neck
Poorly managed diabetes.

If you're concerned, you should definitely see your doctor.  It could be nothing, but better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Ladybird50]

I would go to my docs tommorow if i were you, try brushing your tongue as you do your teeth and see if it comes off, you should brush your tongue as a matter of course anyway,good luck and i hope everything turns out well.

[Headtime]

Funnily enough, my sister said she had this only yesterday. Apparantly it was the result of using anti-biotics.

It's undoubtably non-life threatening.

But to put your mind at rest, go and see a doctor.

[happy_face]

Are you sure it's not bloodveins. I have dark blue veins running along the centre underneath my tongue

[Yai]

Yes I took a good long look and they seem to be purple, so they're probably veins.. hopefully..

[spainlads]

Go and see your doctor. It doesn't matter what me, you or the gate post thinks - they are the only one that can help.

I had a lump on my left testicle last year, and if I can show my balls to him then I'm sure you can stick your tongue out. 

I'm sure it's nothing.