Tongue cancer treatment | Diagnosis & cost in Turkey

Types of tongue cancer

Tongue cancer is a serious disease characterized by the development of a malignant tumor within this organ. Depending on the location, there are two main types:

• Mobile tongue cancer: This affects the front, visible part of the tongue, the part we use for speaking and eating.
• Cancer of the base of the tongue: develops in the posterior part, less accessible to the eye, and is often associated with cancers of the throat.

In most cases, these cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, meaning they originate in the surface cells of the tongue.

Risk factors for tongue cancer

There are many risk factors for tongue cancer. Smoking and alcoholism remain the main causes, often acting in synergy. These habits, once more prevalent in men, explain the historical predominance of this cancer in men. However, changing lifestyles and the increase in HPV infections are gradually changing this picture. Women are increasingly affected by HPV-related tongue cancer.

An unbalanced diet lacking in carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables is also a risk factor. Finally, genetics plays a role, with an increased risk for people with a family history of skin cancer.

Symptoms of tongue tumor

Tongue cancer can develop quietly, often without alarming symptoms at first. The most common signs include:

• Persistent oral lesions: sores, ulcers, white patches (leukoplakia) or red patches (erythroplakia) that do not heal.
• Pain in the tongue, throat or ear, or difficulty swallowing.
• Difficulty speaking or chewing.
• Changes in tongue sensitivity.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

At an advanced stage, more general signs may appear:

• Unexplained fatigue.
• Involuntary weight loss.
• Persistent fever.

Diagnosis of tongue cancer

A sore on the front of the tongue is often visible or painful, which prompts many patients to consult early. Cancers at the base of the tongue are harder to see and are frequently found later, sometimes only after a lump appears in the neck.

During the clinical examination, the doctor looks for suspicious areas and orders a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Imaging (MRI or CT, sometimes PET scan) then assesses the tumor and the lymph nodes. Together, these results give the type, stage and grade of the tumor, which are essential for building a personalized treatment plan.

Tongue cancer treatment: A personalized course in Turkey

Mouth cancer is a complex disease that requires multidisciplinary management. Treatments, primarily surgical, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are tailored to each patient based on individual factors such as stage of disease, tumor location, and general health.

Surgical treatment

Surgery is often the first line of treatment for tongue cancer. It involves the removal of the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue to prevent recurrence. Depending on the extent of the lesion, a partial or total glossectomy may be performed, in which part or all of the tongue is removed.

Reconstruction is often necessary to preserve tongue function and improve aesthetics.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses radiation to destroy cancer cells. It may be given alone or in combination with other treatments. External beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy are the two main techniques used.

Although highly effective, radiotherapy can cause side effects such as mucus, dry mouth and difficulty swallowing.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Depending on the treatment protocol, it may be given before, during, or after surgery.

Side effects of chemotherapy vary and may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakened immune system.

Full care of lingual tumor in Turkey

Treating tongue cancer involves more than the main treatments.

Reconstruction after glossectomy

When part of the tongue is removed, the surgeon may rebuild it with tissue taken from elsewhere in the body, often a free flap from the forearm or thigh, to help preserve speech and swallowing. The choice depends on the size of the defect.

Rehabilitation

Speech therapy and swallowing exercises usually begin soon after surgery or during radiotherapy, with nutrition follow-up. The duration varies from patient to patient and is set by the rehabilitation team.

Supportive care and complementary approaches

Supportive care is part of treatment: pain management, nutrition follow-up, dental care before radiotherapy, speech therapy and psychological support. Some complementary approaches, such as medical hypnosis or relaxation, may help with anxiety or fatigue, alongside and never instead of conventional treatment. Naturopathy has not been shown to be effective against cancer, and some supplements can interact with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, so they should always be mentioned to the oncologist.

Clinical trials and newer options

Immunotherapy and targeted therapies are used in some head and neck cancers, and clinical trials may be an option for some patients, depending on eligibility and the medical team's opinion.

The care team

Treatment usually involves a head and neck surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, nurses, speech therapists, nutritionists and psychologists working together. When choosing a center, check that the team confirms the stage with imaging before proposing treatment and plans speech and swallowing rehabilitation.

Convalescence and post-operative recovery

The length of hospital stay after tongue cancer surgery varies depending on the complexity of the surgery and any complications. It can range from a few days to several weeks.

Immediate recovery often requires assistance with daily activities and may take several weeks.

Full recovery can be a lengthy process involving intensive retraining to regain speech and swallowing functions.