Tongue Cancer Treatment Treatment in Turkey
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 Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey 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 | USD 1,632 – USD 8,701 | 5-14 days | ~ 3-6 weeks for initial healing; 6-12 months for full functional adaptation | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 12,079 – USD 64,420 | 5-14 days | ~ 3-6 weeks for initial healing; 6-12 months for full functional adaptation | Know More |
As a young professional with a...
As a young professional with a hectic schedule, Dr. Acharya’s team accommodated my follow-ups efficiently without ever making me feel rushed. His balance of expertise and empathy is rare in surgical fields.