Healthier Tomorrow and ForeverMediMindIcon

Trustpilot
Incidents
Shape Shape

Glossectomy Treatment in Turkey

Learn about Glossectomy Treatment in Turkey — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Glossectomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.
Hospitals

Partner Hospitals

0 partner in Turkey for this surgery
Doctors

Specialist Doctors

0 Surgeons linked to this surgery
Cost

Treatment Cost

USD 12,293 – USD 40,977

About Glossectomy

A glossectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the tongue, typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. It is most commonly indicated for the treatment of tongue cancer, but may also be necessary for severe trauma, precancerous lesions, or other conditions affecting tongue function and health. The extent of the surgery can range from a small, localized excision to a total glossectomy, with the goal of completely removing diseased tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible. Post-operative care focuses on healing, managing pain, and rehabilitation for speech and swallowing, often involving a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

Key Highlights

    Primary treatment for removing cancerous or precancerous lesions of the tongue.Can prevent the spread of oral cancers to other parts of the body.May alleviate severe pain or functional impairment caused by tongue disease or trauma.Often performed with advanced techniques to maximize preservation of speech and swallowing function.Part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include radiation or chemotherapy.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Squamous cell carcinoma or other malignant tumors of the tongue.
  • Severe, treatment-resistant oral lichen planus or leukoplakia (precancerous conditions).
  • Significant tongue trauma that cannot be repaired by other means.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea caused by macroglossia (enlarged tongue) when other treatments fail.
  • Advanced infection or gangrene of the tongue tissue.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive medical evaluation, including imaging (CT/MRI) to determine the extent of disease.
  • Consultations with an oncologist, speech-language pathologist, and dietitian.
  • Pre-operative dental cleaning and assessment.
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to surgery as instructed.
  • Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
  • Arranging for post-operative support and transportation.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding, infection, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and potential need for a temporary feeding tube.
  • Impaired speech articulation.
  • Changes in taste sensation or chronic pain.
  • Nerve damage leading to numbness or weakness in the tongue or lower lip.
  • Need for additional reconstructive surgeries.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay for monitoring airway, pain control, and nutrition.
  • Wound care and oral hygiene instructions to prevent infection.
  • Initiation of speech and swallowing therapy soon after surgery.
  • Diet progression from liquids to soft foods as healing permits.
  • Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and for cancer surveillance if applicable.
  • Long-term rehabilitation to adapt to functional changes.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-6 weeks for initial healing; several months for full functional adaptation

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering glossectomy in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for glossectomy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 1,655 – USD 5,515 5-10 days ~ 3-6 weeks for initial healing; several months for full functional adaptation Know More
Turkey USD 12,293 – USD 40,977 5-10 days ~ 3-6 weeks for initial healing; several months for full functional adaptation Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Sarah Malhotra, 42, David's daughter, is...

Sarah Malhotra, 42, David's daughter, is a graphic designer. Unlike her father, she never smoked. However, she had a small, firm lump under her tongue for over a year, initially dismissed as a canker sore. It began to ulcerate and became painful. An MRI revealed a rare, slow-growing but invasive salivary gland tumor. Her maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Sharma, recommended a hemiglossectomy (removal of half the tongue) followed by reconstructive surgery using tissue from her forearm to prevent significant functional loss and stop the tumor's local invasion. The 10-hour surgery was successful but grueling. Sarah faced a long recovery with two surgical sites, relearning to speak and swallow, and coping with altered sensation in her tongue and forearm. After six months of dedicated therapy, she has regained about 80% of her speech clarity and can eat most foods, though with some caution. Emotionally, she grappled with anger and injustice at her diagnosis, followed by anxiety about her career and identity. Post-recovery, she feels a strong sense of triumph and has started a blog about her journey, finding a new creative outlet in advocacy.