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Tongue Cancer Treatment Modalities
1.Partial glossectomy
For early, localized tongue cancer, partial glossectomy can be performed to remove the tumor while ensuring adequate negative margins. This procedure preserves tongue function relatively well and allows rapid postoperative recovery, making it a preferred option for T1–T2 tongue cancer.
2.Total glossectomy
For advanced tongue cancer or extensive disease, total glossectomy may be required. While it enables radical tumor resection, it results in severe functional impairment, necessitating immediate reconstructive procedures. Postoperative rehabilitation training is critical.
3.Neck lymph node dissection
Based on clinical and imaging assessments, therapeutic neck dissection is indicated for cN+ disease. For cN0 patients at high risk, elective (selective) neck dissection may be considered. The extent of dissection should be individualized according to the primary tumor and nodal status.
4.Minimally invasive surgery
Minimally invasive approaches include transoral laser surgery and robotic surgery and are suitable for selected early-stage tongue cancers. Advantages include less trauma, reduced bleeding, and faster recovery, with better preservation of tongue function and improved quality of life.
5.Reconstructive surgery
Reconstruction of tongue defects is essential for functional recovery. Depending on defect size, local flaps, regional flaps, or free flaps may be selected. The goal is to maximize restoration of tongue contour and function while achieving complete tumor resection.
6.Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy can be used as definitive treatment for early tongue cancer or as adjuvant therapy after surgery for intermediate to advanced disease. It includes external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Precision radiotherapy techniques better spare surrounding normal tissues.
7.Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is mainly used for advanced, recurrent, or metastatic tongue cancer and is often combined with radiotherapy. Common regimens include TPF and PF. Induction chemotherapy may be used for locally advanced disease to downstage tumors and increase resectability.
8.Targeted therapy
Agents targeting specific molecular pathways, such as cetuximab, may be used for recurrent or metastatic tongue cancer. By inhibiting EGFR signaling, these therapies suppress tumor growth and are often combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy to enhance treatment efficacy.
Conclusion
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that early detection and timely treatment are pivotal for tongue cancer. Remain vigilant for oral abnormalities, undergo regular examinations, and avoid tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut. MDT-based comprehensive treatment can effectively control disease and substantially improve cure rates and quality of survival.
Tongue Cancer Treatment Modalities
1.Partial glossectomy
For early, localized tongue cancer, partial glossectomy can be performed to remove the tumor while ensuring adequate negative margins. This procedure preserves tongue function relatively well and allows rapid postoperative recovery, making it a preferred option for T1–T2 tongue cancer.
2.Total glossectomy
For advanced tongue cancer or extensive disease, total glossectomy may be required. While it enables radical tumor resection, it results in severe functional impairment, necessitating immediate reconstructive procedures. Postoperative rehabilitation training is critical.
3.Neck lymph node dissection
Based on clinical and imaging assessments, therapeutic neck dissection is indicated for cN+ disease. For cN0 patients at high risk, elective (selective) neck dissection may be considered. The extent of dissection should be individualized according to the primary tumor and nodal status.
4.Minimally invasive surgery
Minimally invasive approaches include transoral laser surgery and robotic surgery and are suitable for selected early-stage tongue cancers. Advantages include less trauma, reduced bleeding, and faster recovery, with better preservation of tongue function and improved quality of life.
5.Reconstructive surgery
Reconstruction of tongue defects is essential for functional recovery. Depending on defect size, local flaps, regional flaps, or free flaps may be selected. The goal is to maximize restoration of tongue contour and function while achieving complete tumor resection.
6.Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy can be used as definitive treatment for early tongue cancer or as adjuvant therapy after surgery for intermediate to advanced disease. It includes external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Precision radiotherapy techniques better spare surrounding normal tissues.
7.Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is mainly used for advanced, recurrent, or metastatic tongue cancer and is often combined with radiotherapy. Common regimens include TPF and PF. Induction chemotherapy may be used for locally advanced disease to downstage tumors and increase resectability.
8.Targeted therapy
Agents targeting specific molecular pathways, such as cetuximab, may be used for recurrent or metastatic tongue cancer. By inhibiting EGFR signaling, these therapies suppress tumor growth and are often combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy to enhance treatment efficacy.
Conclusion
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that early detection and timely treatment are pivotal for tongue cancer. Remain vigilant for oral abnormalities, undergo regular examinations, and avoid tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut. MDT-based comprehensive treatment can effectively control disease and substantially improve cure rates and quality of survival.