Oral Tongue Cancer

Treatment

When physicians detect oral tongue cancer at an early stage, they can often treat it with surgery or radiation. In later stages, the cancer may require a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In most cases of a malignant tongue tumor, the abnormal tissue is classified as squamous cell carcinoma. Occasionally pathologists determine the condition to be a sarcoma, minor salivary gland carcinoma, or lymphoma. A multidisciplinary team of Mayo Clinic specialists develops a unique treatment plan for each patient.

Surgery

Surgery for tongue cancer depends on the tumor's size, type, location, and depth. Early, small cancers can be removed through the mouth using a laser cautery. This is often done as an outpatient procedure. If the tumor extends deeply to involve the underlying muscle, the surgeon may remove the nearby neck lymph nodes. For larger tumors, Mayo Clinic surgeons use the latest techniques to minimize the loss of function of the tongue and surrounding structures.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy X-rays, electron beams, or radioactive isotopes to kill cancer cells. Radiation oncologists tailor each treatment to protect nearby normal tissue. Patients at Mayo Clinic have access to the most advanced systems for treatment planning and delivery, including IMRT. IMRT helps to minimize loss of function of the tongue and normal surrounding structures such as the salivary glands.

Chemotherapy

Medical oncologists administer chemotherapy when the oral tongue cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body. Chemotherapy, taken by mouth or given through a vein, involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells.

Reconstructive Surgery

Depending upon the size, location, and spread of the cancer, the treatment team may determine that reconstructive surgery is necessary. Mayo Clinic has experienced reconstructive and plastic surgeons, otorhinolaryngologists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons to restore physical appearance and function to the tongue and surrounding structures.

Rehabilitation

Patients who need rehabilitation after surgery or radiation therapy will find help from specialists in dietetics, speech therapy, swallowing therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. The Nicotine Dependence Center at Mayo Clinic in Florida and Minnesota helps patients who wish to stop using tobacco.