What are the first signs of tongue cancer?

Lesions on the tongue are often one of the first signs of tongue cancer as noted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The lesions can be white or red in color.

Other early signs of tongue cancer include persistent ulcers or surface changes on the tongue, as stated by the Oral Cancer Foundation. Unusual bleeding or a mass on the tongue can also indicate tongue cancer. If a person suspects something amiss with their tongue or any other part of their mouth, he should contact his doctor or dentist for a thorough exam. The sooner the cancer is caught, the better chance there is of the cancer being removed.