What you need to know about glossectomy

It is normal for anyone to feel a little scared and shocked when they hear the story of a tongue removal surgery. Because the tongue is an organ that is essential for our conversation and for enjoying food. However, in some serious health conditions, especially in cases like tongue cancer, this surgery can be essential to save lives. So today, let's talk about this surgery called Glossectomy, in a very simple way that can dispel the fears and doubts associated with it.

Simply put, what is Glossectomy?

Glossectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or part of your tongue. There are three main types, depending on the nature and extent of the disease.

So why do this kind of surgery?

The main reason for this surgery is often tongue cancer . This is the best treatment to stop the cancer cells from spreading to other areas and save the patient's life.

Apart from that, this surgery is rarely performed for other reasons.

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A serious condition in which breathing stops during sleep.
• Macroglossia: Abnormally large tongue, making it difficult to speak or eat.

What happens before the surgery?

If you are scheduled for this type of surgery, the doctor will first examine you carefully. Then, they will order several tests, such as CT scans or MRI scans, to determine the exact condition of your condition.

After all of this, the doctor will give you a set of instructions to follow before the surgery. It is very important to follow those instructions exactly.

What happens during the surgery?

Before the surgery begins, you will be given general anesthesia so that you will not feel any pain or discomfort. This means that you will be completely asleep.

• Partial Glossectomy: The surgeon carefully removes only the diseased part of the tongue and stitches the wound closed. Sometimes, a piece of tissue from another part of the body may be used to fill the gap.

• If you have a partial or total tongue removal (Hemi/Total Glossectomy): This is a more complicated procedure. After removing your tongue, your surgeon will take skin and muscle from another part of your body, such as your forearm, chest or thigh , and reconstruct it as a new tongue. This new tissue will be connected to blood vessels in your neck to ensure good blood flow.

Sometimes, after surgery, a tube may need to be temporarily inserted through a small hole in your neck to help you breathe. This is called a tracheostomy . Don't worry about this, your doctor will discuss this with you in detail before the surgery.

How is life after the surgery?

After surgery, you will usually stay in the hospital for about a week. During this time, doctors and nurses will regularly check on your well-being.

The most important person you will meet during this time is the Speech and Language Pathologist . He/she will be the one who will teach you how to swallow properly and speak clearly again after surgery. Although this can be a challenging journey, with the right training, you can make great progress.

For some patients, the doctor may also recommend radiation therapy to completely destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

Everyone's biggest questions

Can I talk after the surgery?

This depends entirely on how much of your tongue was removed.

• People with partial tongue amputation: Many people can pronounce many words and sounds clearly. This ability can be further improved with speech therapy.
• People who have had their entire tongue removed: Talking can be very difficult. But don't lose hope. You can use technology like a pen and paper, or a tablet or computer to express yourself.

What happens to the taste?

This also depends on the extent of the surgery. Research shows that people who have at least half of their tongue base intact have a good sense of taste. If more than half of the tongue is removed, there may be a slight change in the ability to distinguish and identify certain tastes (dysgeusia). But surprisingly, some patients who have had their entire tongue removed have been reported to still be able to taste food .

When to see a doctor immediately

When you go home after surgery, be very careful about these symptoms. If you have any of these, call your doctor without delay . In case of an emergency, such as difficulty breathing, go directly to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Having a glossectomy is a big decision in your life. It is a very personal one. So, be open about any concerns or fears you have with your doctor. Understand the pros, cons, and options for the treatment. The journey to recovery can be challenging, but remember, there are a lot of people, including doctors and speech therapists, who are here to help you.

Glossectomy, tongue removal, tongue cancer, speech therapy, surgery