About Tongue Cancer Treatment
Key Highlights
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Performed by a specialist (surgical oncologist) with expertise in cancer surgery.Aims for complete removal of the cancerous tissue with clear margins.Can be tailored from minimally invasive to comprehensive procedures based on cancer stage.Often part of a multimodal plan, combined with radiation or chemotherapy for better outcomes.Focus on preserving speech, swallowing, and quality of life through precise techniques and reconstruction.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma or other malignant tumor of the tongue.
- Early-stage (Stage I or II) tongue cancer where surgery is the primary curative treatment.
- Locally advanced tongue cancer (Stage III or IV) requiring surgery combined with other therapies.
- Persistent or recurrent cancer after radiation therapy.
- A visible lump, non-healing ulcer, or persistent red/white patch on the tongue confirmed as malignant.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including biopsy, imaging (CT, MRI, PET scan), and staging.
- Multidisciplinary team consultation involving surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, plus a speech therapist and dietitian.
- Pre-operative dental evaluation and possible dental work to reduce infection risk.
- Nutritional assessment; a feeding tube may be placed pre-operatively if significant swallowing impairment is expected.
- Pre-anesthetic check-up, blood tests, and cessation of blood-thinning medications as advised.
- Detailed counseling about the procedure, potential outcomes, and post-operative rehabilitation.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Bleeding, infection, and adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Functional risks: Temporary or permanent difficulty with speech (dysarthria) and swallowing (dysphagia).
- Altered taste sensation or numbness in the tongue and mouth.
- Risk of fistula formation (an abnormal connection) or wound breakdown.
- Need for a temporary or permanent tracheostomy if swelling affects the airway.
- Cosmetic changes to the face and neck, especially if reconstruction or neck dissection is performed.
- Possible recurrence of cancer.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring airway, pain management, and wound care.
- Initiation of swallowing therapy and speech therapy as soon as medically safe.
- Nutrition via feeding tube initially, transitioning to soft/pureed foods as swallowing improves.
- Meticulous oral hygiene protocols to prevent infection.
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing, function, and for surveillance of cancer recurrence.
- Long-term rehabilitation to optimize speech clarity and swallowing efficiency.
- Emotional and psychological support to adapt to lifestyle changes.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 weeks for initial healing; 6-12 months for full functional adaptation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering tongue cancer treatment in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform tongue cancer treatment. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for tongue cancer treatment compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 5-14 days | ~ 3-6 weeks for initial healing; 6-12 months for full functional adaptation | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 2.8 Million | 5-14 days | ~ 3-6 weeks for initial healing; 6-12 months for full functional adaptation | Know More |
Ayaan Chopra, a 58-year-old restaurant owner...
Ayaan Chopra, a 58-year-old restaurant owner and father of three, first noticed a persistent sore on the side of his tongue six months ago. A lifelong smoker and occasional betel nut user, he dismissed it as a canker sore. When it didn't heal and began to cause pain while eating his own spicy dishes, his wife insisted he see a doctor. A biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. His surgical oncologist, Dr. Mehta, recommended a partial glossectomy (removal of part of the tongue) with a sentinel lymph node biopsy to stage the cancer, explaining it was the best chance to preserve speech and swallowing function while being curative. The surgery lasted four hours. Ayaan's initial recovery in the hospital was difficult; he had a feeding tube and struggled with pain and frustration at not being able to talk clearly. Over six weeks of outpatient speech and swallowing therapy, his function improved remarkably. While his speech has a slight lisp and he avoids the very spiciest foods, he is cancer-free and back managing his restaurant. Emotionally, he moved from denial and fear of losing his livelihood to profound gratitude for his family's support and a new commitment to health, becoming a vocal advocate against tobacco in his community.
Surgical Oncologists for Tongue Cancer Treatment
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform tongue cancer treatment and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore