ASK THE DENTIST: Should I be worried about tongue cancer?

 

Tongue cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the cells of the tongue, most commonly the epithelial cells. The most common early symptom of tongue cancer is a persistent sore or ulcer on your tongue. Other symptoms can include red or white patch, ulcer or lump on tongue, difficulty in swallowing and bleeding with no apparent cause.

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 out of 5 patients diagnosed with tongue cancer is younger than 55 years old. With all types of cancer, researches are still ongoing and the definitive cause is still unknown.

The causes and risk factors of developing tongue cancer include:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco

• Frequent and heavy consumption of alcohol

• Human papilloma virus (HPV)

• Family or personal history of certain cancers

• Poor dental hygiene and care of your teeth and gums

To reduce the risk of tongue cancer, taking proper care and maintaining good oral hygiene is key. There are other preventive measures that you may consider to take by:

• Not smoking or chew tobacco

• Reducing alcohol consumption

• Practicing safe sex

• Having a balanced diet

• Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly

Going for regular dental check-ups every six months also acts as a preventive measure towards oral diseases. If you notice any unusual ulcer and swelling, or are experiencing persistent symptoms, visit your dentist or a dental specialist to seek for a professional opinion.

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Dr Tan Kian Meng is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. He is also a Clinical Lecturer at the National University of Singapore and Diplomate with the American Board of Prosthodontics. He was formerly a Consultant at Singapore’s Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Fellow of Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Oncologic Dentistry Fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr Tan has special interest in prosthetic and implant restorative dentistry.

www.specialistdentalgroup.com | 6734 9393

Grade 11 Team Named Top 3 in Sustainability Challenge

How can Singapore work towards a greener future? As part of Green Nudge’s Beyond the Green challenge, four IS grade 11 students presented their sustainability proposal to a professional judges’ panel that included Senior Minister of State for National Development, Mr Tan Kiat How. Even though our students were some of the youngest participants, they were in the top 3 finalists!

Emilee L. Jareth N., Ashna K., and Sarah R., all DP geography students, were thrilled when they first heard about the challenge from our alumni Terri L., who works in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Emilee shared why. “We discuss the importance of sustainable development in class constantly, and this project allowed me to expand my understanding of the topic in a meaningful way. The seminars encouraged innovation, which helped push me outside of my comfort zone.”

After in-depth research and discussions, the team came up with the “Circular Food Web”, a multi-pronged approach to food waste disposal. This innovative plan included Smart Bins in housing estates, an incentive system that rewards households who have lesswaste, AI technology to map efficient waste collection routes, and more.

While the ideation process went smoothly, Emilee said that they met one of their biggest challenges during their presentation when they heard the judges question their plan’s feasibility.

The critical feedback encouraged us to find more realistic solutions, and to better support our ideas with data and past case studies,” she said. “It was important for us to be open-minded and flexible in our thinking". 

They were rewarded for their winning idea with vouchers, and an exciting internship opportunity with Green Nudge, where they will collaborate with like-minded peers on business development, marketing and communications for sustainability initiatives. 

Want to learn more about CIS?  Join an open house to meet the academic team and take a tour.