Tongue cancer treatment | Diagnosis & cost in Turkey 2024

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 insidiously, often without any alarming symptoms at first. The most common signs include:

• Persistent oral lesions: Soreness, ulcers, white spots (leukoplakia),or red spots (erythroplakia) that don't heal.
• Pain: in the tongue, throat, or ear, or difficulty swallowing.
• Difficulty speaking or chewing.
• Changes in tongue sensitivity.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the throat.

In addition to these local symptoms, more general signs may occur in the advanced stage, such as:

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

Diagnosis of tongue cancer

Tongue cancer often presents with visible signs or pain, prompting patients to seek medical attention. Due to the location of the tongue, diagnosis is usually made at an early stage, which greatly improves the chances of cure.

During the clinical examination, the doctor suspects cancer and prescribes a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This analysis is used to determine the type, stage, and grade of the tumor, which is essential for drawing up 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 is a complex process that requires comprehensive, personalized care.

Complementary treatments

In addition to conventional treatments, complementary approaches such as naturopathy and medical hypnosis can help improve patients' quality of life and manage side effects.

Personalized care

Every treatment journey is unique. Personalized care is essential to help patients cope with treatment, manage side effects and maintain quality of life.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials offer patients access to new treatments and can be an interesting option for some. Medical advances in Turkey mean that we can now offer patients increasingly effective and less invasive treatments.

The role of the care team

In Turkey, a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, radiation therapists, speech therapists, nutritionists and psychologists work closely together to provide the best possible care for patients.

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.