A glossectomy involves the surgical removal of part or all of the tongue in order to remove cancer. A tongue flap can then be created using blood vessels and skin obtained from the patient’s wrist.
Also Known As:
- Partial glossectomy
- Tongue surgery
- Mouth surgery
Conditions Treated with a Glossectomy:
Glossectomy is utilized to treat tongue cancer and oral cancer in patients.
There are no comparable non-surgical or surgical alternatives to a glossectomy.
Anesthesia with a Glossectomy:
Glossectomy is performed with general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.
Potential Complications from a Glossectomy:
Possible risks of a glossectomy include infection, bleeding and a negative reaction to the anesthesia that is used. Other potential risks include nerve damage, loss of normal speech, weight loss, blockage of the airway and difficulty swallowing. Some patients need speech therapy following the procedure. Additionally, it is possible to experience a recurrence of tongue or oral cancer.
Prognosis after a Glossectomy:
The prognosis for a positive end result following a glossectomy is good.
Recovery from a Glossectomy:
The total recovery time following a glossectomy can take several weeks.