Primary resection of the tongue includes hemiglossectomy and selective neck dissection. In advanced cancers of the alveolar ridge, transoral resection and selective neck dissection may be necessary. Hemiglossectomy is also used for early tongue cancer of the retromolar trigone. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary. If the cancer is less than two centimeters, it is likely to be benign and not malignant.
The tumor has spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary cancer. It has not spread to distant sites. The cancer has grown into the epiglottis, larynx, or tongue muscle, and medial pterygoid plate. It may have spread to jawbones or the neck. It has invaded multiple lymph nodes, such as the thyroid. The patient may also experience ear pain.
A biopsy may reveal a malignant tumor. A biopsy of the lesion is recommended under local anesthesia. It shows that the tumor is lymphoepithelial and consists of moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was transferred to the Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery Division at the University Hospital Zurich for further evaluation. MRI and PET scan were performed, as per standard oncology staging. The patient did not receive chemotherapy or radiation.
The most common type of tongue cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer occurs when cells multiply out of control and begin to form tumors on the tongue and other parts of the body. Most cases of tongue cancer occur in elderly adults. It is extremely rare in children. The symptoms of tongue cancer may be more mild or reversible. If you’ve experienced one or more of these symptoms, see a physician immediately.
Treatment for tongue cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Surgical treatment is usually the first option, but radiation can also be used to treat advanced disease and those who are unsuitable for surgery. Surgery is the primary option for treating tongue squamous cell carcinoma. The ultimate goal of treatment is to cure the disease and minimize any associated therapies. In the early stages of the disease, radiation and surgery are effective treatments for the disease. If it is diagnosed in its early stages, the prognosis is excellent.
Surgical treatment for tongue cancer typically includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Total glossectomy involves removing the tongue. Postoperative reconstruction may be necessary to restore normal tongue function. Chemotherapy using cisplatin has been effective for many patients. A few patients may benefit from a partial glossectomy. In many cases, a combination of these treatments can cure tongue cancer. The treatment for tongue cancer is complex, and your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you.
Surgery for tongue cancer is complex and may involve multiple surgical procedures. The first step is identifying the location and size of the cancer. Surgery may involve biopsy and surgical removal of the tumor. In the later stages, the surgeon may remove the affected tongue and reconstruct it to restore normal oral function. The surgeon may also remove the lymph nodes in the neck to reduce the risk of recurrence. The surgery will involve reconstructing the jawbone and tongue.
