Glossectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the tongue. Skin and muscle tissue (grafts) may be taken from other parts of the body and used to replace the area of the tongue that is removed. Glossectomy is usually done to treat tongue cancer. If cancer has spread (metastasized) to lymph nodes in the neck, lymph nodes may be removed from one or both sides of the neck. Lymph nodes are part of the body's disease-fighting (immune) system.
This procedure varies depending on the location and severity of the cancer, and the size of the tumors. The procedure may be called:
• Partial glossectomy. This is when less than half of the tongue is removed.
• Hemiglossectomy. This is when half of the tongue is removed.
• A total…show more content… • Do not smoke or use any tobacco products for as long as told by your health care provider. This includes cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Stop using alcohol before the procedure, if told by your health care provider.
PROCEDURE
• To reduce your risk of infection:
○ Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
○ Your skin will be washed with soap.
• An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins.
• You will be given a medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic). You may also be given a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
• You may have a tube (tracheostomy tube) inserted through an incision in your neck and into your windpipe (trachea). The tracheostomy tube helps you breathe during and after surgery.
• Cancerous tissue in your tongue will be cut and removed (excised) using a surgical instrument or a laser. Any cancerous tissue in the surrounding area, such as the floor of your mouth, will also be excised.
• The incision in your tongue and mouth will be closed in one of the following…show more content… The graft will be removed from an area of your body (donor site) and attached to your tongue and mouth with stitches (sutures). The donor site may be closed with sutures or covered with bandages (dressings).
○ If you will have a partial glossectomy, your incision may be closed with sutures or left open to heal on its own.
• One or more of your lymph nodes may be removed from your neck. This will be done by making an incision in your neck. This incision will be closed with sutures or surgical glue.
• You may have tubes (drains) inserted in your neck to help drain excess
