Glossectomy

Tongue disorders can profoundly influence day-to-day living. The tongue is essential in speaking, swallowing food, tasting food and oral health. In cases of oral cancer and other severe conditions, surgery can be done to eliminate the disease and safeguard the general health of the body. A glossectomy is one such surgery.

At Gleneagles Hospitals, glossectomy is performed with a high level of patient safety, functional recovery, and emotional well-being. The care team understands that the thought of tongue surgery can be worrying. Patients are assisted during the process with clear instructions, compassionate care, and treatment planning.

A glossectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of the tongue. It is commonly used in the treatment of tongue cancer, yet it can also be prescribed in the treatment of other severe tongue-related illnesses.

The primary goal of any glossectomy is to excise the abnormal or cancerous tissue to the utmost extent possible and leave as much normal tissue as possible. Surgeons take time to plan the operation to preserve speech, swallowing and appearance, whenever possible.

Depending on the extent of the disease, a glossectomy may be:

• One type of glossectomy is a partial glossectomy, in which just a small part of the tongue is removed.
• Hemiglossectomy is the removal of one side of the tongue.
• In severe cases, total glossectomy is performed, in which the whole tongue is excised.
   

The stage, location and size of the condition determine the type of surgery to be advised.

Glossectomy is recommended in most cases where:

• Tongue cancer is present.
• Other treatments have not been effective on the tumour.
• Cancer has spread within the tongue but remains operable
• The tumour can be removed, giving the best opportunity of curing.

In many cases, when it is detected early, smaller operations and more successful recovery can be achieved.

Such surgery is not necessary for all patients with tongue cancer. The suitable candidates would typically include:

• The patients may have localised or advanced tongue cancer.
• Patients who are fit enough to undergo significant surgery.
• Those whose cancer can be safely removed

Patients who are ready to adhere to rehabilitation.

Glossectomy should not be recommended in patients with:

• Poor overall health
• Advanced cancer that has spread widely.
• Severe medical conditions that increase the risk of surgery.

Each case is reviewed carefully by a multidisciplinary team.

An experienced team involved may consist of head and neck surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, anaesthetists, speech therapists, and nursing specialists and perform glossectomy.

Before the Surgery

The patient will be thoroughly assessed prior to surgery, which may include scans, blood tests, and even dental examinations. Patients can be recommended to quit smoking and alcohol, improve their nutrition, and manage pre-existing health conditions. Psychological and emotional preparation is also of great importance, as the recovery process is time-consuming.

During the Surgery

The surgery is conducted under a general anaesthetic. The surgeon excises the diseased area of the tongue, including a small area of healthy tissue, to ensure the disease is completely removed. The neck lymph nodes can also be removed in case the cancer spreads.

In many cases, reconstruction is performed at the same operation. The tongue can be rebuilt with tissue from another part of the body to regain function.

After the Surgery

The surgical procedure of a glossectomy is significant, and one should consider self-care. The hospital stay is mandatory. The hospital will feed the patient using a feeding tube until the patient feels normal. Rest is essential, particularly in the days following the surgery of glossectomy. Even as the early healing period may be somewhat difficult for the patient in terms of communication and swallowing, he/she will be fine in the near future with proper food intake and medications.

The patient may begin to experience normalcy in swallowing or speaking as soon as recovery occurs. Patients should follow a post-operative approach carefully. 

Recovery and Rehabilitation

A glossectomy is a slow-healing procedure, and recovery varies among patients. The early phase focuses on healing and comfort, while long-term recovery involves rehabilitation.

Patients may require:

• Speech therapy is used to enhance communication.
• Swallowing therapy to resume safe food behaviour.
• Nutritional support, especially during the initial weeks.
• Neck and jaw movement physiotherapy.
• Psychological support to adjust emotionally
   

With consistent therapy and follow-up, many patients can speak clearly and eat comfortably again.

Risks and Possible Complications

Just like any other major surgery, glossectomy exposes a person to risks, such as:

• Bleeding or infection
• Difficulty with speech or swallowing
• Changes in taste
• Delayed healing
• Scars or alteration of appearance.

• Experience in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery

The hospital has experience with high-tech surgical methods in the management of complex oral and tongue cancer.

• Comprehensive Rehabilitation Support

Care plans include speech therapy, nutritional counselling and emotional support.

• Multidisciplinary Cancer Care

Surgeons, oncologists, rehabilitation specialists, and support personnel work as a team under Gleneagles Hospitals' model.

• Advanced Infrastructure

The operating theatres and diagnostic facilities are modern and ensure safe and accurate treatment.

A glossectomy is a major surgery which is very important to save the life of patients with tongue cancer. Although it can have an influence on speech and swallowing at the beginning, the current surgical practice and specific rehabilitation assist numerous patients in restoring functionality and confidence. At Gleneagles Hospitals, care goes beyond surgery. The primary focus is on helping patients recover and live with strength and dignity.