Tongue Cancer Treatment in Chennai

Oral tongue cancer is primarily caused by tobacco use (smoking and chewing) and alcohol. Betel nut/paan chewing is a major cause in India. Base of tongue cancer is increasingly caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, even in non-smokers. Poor oral hygiene and chronic irritation also contribute.

Speech outcomes depend on tumor size and location. For small tumors treated with laser or limited resection, speech is usually normal. Larger resections may affect speech clarity, but reconstruction and speech therapy help significantly. Even after major tongue surgery, most patients develop understandable speech with therapy.

Very small, superficial cancers may be treated with laser ablation with minimal tissue loss. However, most tongue cancers require surgical excision with margins to ensure complete removal. Dr. Vidhyadharan's minimally invasive techniques remove only what's necessary while preserving maximum function.

For base of tongue cancers, TORS offers tremendous advantages: surgery through the mouth avoids mandible (jaw) splitting, no external incisions, better swallowing outcomes, shorter hospital stay, and often reduces need for post-operative radiation. Dr. Vidhyadharan's published research demonstrates these benefits.

Tongue cancer staging considers tumor size (T1-T4), lymph node involvement (N0-N3), and distant spread (M0-M1). Depth of invasion is now an important factor for oral tongue cancer. Staging guides treatment decisions. Dr. Vidhyadharan uses advanced imaging including MRI and PET-CT for accurate staging.

Early tongue cancer (Stage I-II) has excellent survival rates of 70-90%. Advanced tongue cancer survival is 40-60% but has improved with modern treatment. HPV-positive base of tongue cancer has better prognosis than HPV-negative. Dr. Vidhyadharan's expertise in comprehensive treatment optimizes outcomes.

It depends on pathology findings. Early-stage cancers with clear margins often need surgery alone. Post-operative radiation is recommended for advanced tumors, close/positive margins, lymph node involvement, or perineural invasion. The tumor board makes individualized recommendations.

Recovery varies by procedure. Laser excision: few days, often outpatient. TORS: 3-5 days hospital stay, 2 weeks recovery. Partial glossectomy with reconstruction: 1-2 weeks hospital, 4-6 weeks recovery. Swallowing may need 2-3 months to fully normalize with therapy.

Most patients return to normal or near-normal eating. Small tumor resections barely affect eating. Larger resections may initially require soft diet, but with reconstruction and swallowing therapy, most progress to regular diet. Some texture modifications may be needed for very large resections.

Oral tongue (front 2/3) cancers are usually from tobacco/alcohol, present as visible ulcers, and are treated surgically through the mouth. Base of tongue (back 1/3) cancers are often HPV-related, present with throat symptoms, and require specialized approaches like TORS. Dr. Vidhyadharan treats both types with appropriate techniques.

Cost depends on tumor extent, surgical approach (laser, TORS, or reconstruction), hospital stay, and adjuvant treatment needs. THANC Hospital offers comprehensive tongue cancer care with transparent pricing. Insurance coverage is available. Detailed estimates provided after staging workup.

Any tongue ulcer lasting more than 3 weeks needs evaluation. While most ulcers are benign (traumatic, aphthous), persistent ulcers can be cancer, especially if painless, indurated, or in high-risk individuals (tobacco users). Dr. Vidhyadharan can perform examination and biopsy for definitive diagnosis.