What does tongue cancer look like at the start?

At the start, tongue cancer often appears as a persistent sore or ulcer on the tongue that doesn't heal, or a white/red patch that feels slightly raised or hard. It's not usually a typical mouth sore. If it stays for more than two weeks, get it checked by an ENT specialist.

I totally get that you want to know what to watch out for. At the start, it's often a persistent sore or ulcer on the tongue that simply doesn't heal, or a white or reddish patch that feels different. It's not usually painful right away but can become so. Please be vigilant and seek medical advice if anything looks concerning.

Ho na, shuru mein, it can be a small ulcer ya white/red patch on the tongue jo theek nahi hota jaldi. Kabhi kabhi ek chhota lump bhi ho sakta hai. Agar aisa kuch bhi lage, toh doctor ko dikhao.

Beti, shuruat mein toh yeh chhota sa zakhm (sore) ya safed/laal dhabba jaisa lag sakta hai zubaan par, jo theek na ho. Agar aisa kuch dikhe toh doctor ko turant dikhana chahiye.

It can be a small, non-healing sore or a discolored patch. Don't delay showing it to a doctor.

So, it starts as a sore that doesn't heal, or a patch? Does it hurt from the beginning, or is it painless initially? I'm trying to understand what to look for.