Lumps under the tongue can be a sign of certain health problems, ranging from harmless to serious. Therefore, it is important to know the cause of the lump under the tongue so that you are more alert and appropriate treatment can be done if needed.
The lump referred to here is not a small bulge that is generally on the surface of the tongue, but a lump under the tongue that feels lumpy and sometimes accompanied by pain or sores.
In addition to causing discomfort, this lump under the tongue can also interfere with oral functions, such as eating or speaking.
Some Causes of Bumps Under Tongue
Several types of diseases that may appear with symptoms of lumps under the tongue, namely:
1. Ranula
A ranula is a cyst or lump that appears as a result of a blocked salivary gland in the mouth. These cysts grow under the tongue or on the floor of the mouth and vary in size and are clear or bluish in color.
Although painless, a ranula can sometimes make it difficult for the sufferer to swallow or speak. Treatment of ranula is determined according to the size of the lump.
The doctor may perform an action by making an incision to remove the cyst fluid or surgery to remove the cyst.
2. Sialolithiasis
Sialolithiasis or salivary gland stones is the formation of stones in the salivary glands or ducts. This condition can cause lumps and block the flow of saliva into the mouth.
Although it usually occurs on the floor of the mouth (submandibular gland), sialolithiasis can also occur in the salivary glands of the inner cheek area (parotid glands) and under the tongue (sublingual glands).
If the stone is still small, the doctor can push it out using a special tool. However, for stones that are large enough, surgery generally needs to be done.
3. Salivary gland cancer
Lumps under the tongue can also be caused by salivary gland cancer. This cancer is most commonly found in the salivary glands located in the cheek area (parotid glands), but can also occur in the submandibular glands (floor of the mouth) and sublingual glands (under the tongue).
Treatment for salivary gland cancer can be chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the disease and the spread of cancer cells.
4. Tongue Cancer
Another cause of the appearance of lumps under the tongue is tongue cancer. In addition to under the tongue, tongue cancer can also appear at the base (back third of the tongue) and the front of the tongue.
Tongue cancer usually occurs in people over the age of 40 and is more common in men than women. This type of cancer is also at risk for people who have a habit of smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages in excess.
Actually cancer on the underside of the tongue is rare. However, if it occurs, this cancer will usually be more aggressive than cancer in other parts of the tongue. Tongue cancer is generally treated using a combination of radiotherapy with chemotherapy or surgery.
Lumps under the tongue can signal a variety of medical conditions. Therefore, do not delay to immediately see a doctor, especially if the lump does not go away or interferes with the movement of the tongue and mouth.
In addition, you are also advised to always maintain oral hygiene, including tongue health, to avoid disorders and diseases of the mouth.