Effective tongue cancer treatment works faster when initiated at an early stage of the cancer. This can be ensured by being aware about the different tongue cancer symptoms and their occurrences. Some symptoms are easy to be detected, while some are hidden by nature. So, it becomes extremely important for the affected person to inform a doctor at the slightest hint of any symptom, whether mild or severe. The type of tongue cancer treatment, is based on the nature of the disease, as already mentioned. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation are the different types that constitute a tongue cancer treatment. Each of these treatments are listed below, against a brief explanation.
Surgery
This is the first method in a tongue cancer treatment that is usually recommended for the patient; surgical removal of the tumor. The size, location and depth of the tumor influences the surgery. An early initiative for the treatment helps in removing small cancers through the mouth, using laser cautery. This ensures the removal of the entire tumor without affecting the normal function of the tongue. In cases, where in, the depth of the tumor has increased, removal of the nearby neck lymph nodes may be included in the surgery. For tumors that are larger than normal, surgeons utilize the latest of the techniques, without ill aftermaths of the surgery.
Radiation Therapy
After conducting surgery, radiation treatment for tongue cancer may follow. There may remain some possibilities of untreated cancer cells in the tongue, even after the surgery. To remove these cells, radiation therapy involves exposure of high-energy X-rays to kill the remainder cancer cells. The therapy also uses radioisotopes or electronic beams for the same purpose. The therapy is a localized treatment; it deals with cancer cells only in the treated area. The patient may receive two kinds of this therapy; internal and external radiation. Common side effects of radiation therapy comes up in the forms of skin reactions, tiredness, loss of appetite, etc. However, these and other side effects can be easily controlled and treated.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy tongue cancer treatment may be required in extreme cases, where in, the cancer may have extended itself to the nearby lymph nodes in the neck or other ares. In short, this type of treatment is required when the cancer is no more localized and has spread elsewhere. Medical oncologists may administer chemotherapy orally in the form of medication or it can be given through a vein. This treatment basically involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells.
Reconstructive Surgery
This surgery is often required to retain functions of the tongue (speech, swallowing, eating) after its surgical excision. It is a procedure to restore the normal surface architecture of the tongue, which might have been changed after surgical removal of the tongue tissue. Anterior, posterior or base of tongue cancer treatment influences functional outcomes of the tongue to a great extent. This surgery is basically performed to improve the facial appearance post tongue cancer treatment.
Rehabilitation
Professionals who specialize in dietetics, speech therapy, swallowing therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy are the responsible persons in rehabilitation. This step marks the last phase of a tongue cancer treatment. The number of sessions required by the patient depends upon the extent of the cancer and also the degree of the after-effects of the surgery on the tongue. People going for such sessions, are taught how to swallow, eat, speak and retain all the normal functions of their tongue.
We can see the different aspects of a tongue cancer treatment and the procedures it follows in the eradication of the cancer. People undergoing the various treatment methods must be mentally prepared for everything that follows once the treatment is initiated. However, as we can see, whatever procedures that are undertaken by the professionals, ensure complete safety and positive results post-treatment.
Surgery
This is the first method in a tongue cancer treatment that is usually recommended for the patient; surgical removal of the tumor. The size, location and depth of the tumor influences the surgery. An early initiative for the treatment helps in removing small cancers through the mouth, using laser cautery. This ensures the removal of the entire tumor without affecting the normal function of the tongue. In cases, where in, the depth of the tumor has increased, removal of the nearby neck lymph nodes may be included in the surgery. For tumors that are larger than normal, surgeons utilize the latest of the techniques, without ill aftermaths of the surgery.
Radiation Therapy
After conducting surgery, radiation treatment for tongue cancer may follow. There may remain some possibilities of untreated cancer cells in the tongue, even after the surgery. To remove these cells, radiation therapy involves exposure of high-energy X-rays to kill the remainder cancer cells. The therapy also uses radioisotopes or electronic beams for the same purpose. The therapy is a localized treatment; it deals with cancer cells only in the treated area. The patient may receive two kinds of this therapy; internal and external radiation. Common side effects of radiation therapy comes up in the forms of skin reactions, tiredness, loss of appetite, etc. However, these and other side effects can be easily controlled and treated.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy tongue cancer treatment may be required in extreme cases, where in, the cancer may have extended itself to the nearby lymph nodes in the neck or other ares. In short, this type of treatment is required when the cancer is no more localized and has spread elsewhere. Medical oncologists may administer chemotherapy orally in the form of medication or it can be given through a vein. This treatment basically involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells.
Reconstructive Surgery
This surgery is often required to retain functions of the tongue (speech, swallowing, eating) after its surgical excision. It is a procedure to restore the normal surface architecture of the tongue, which might have been changed after surgical removal of the tongue tissue. Anterior, posterior or base of tongue cancer treatment influences functional outcomes of the tongue to a great extent. This surgery is basically performed to improve the facial appearance post tongue cancer treatment.
Rehabilitation
Professionals who specialize in dietetics, speech therapy, swallowing therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy are the responsible persons in rehabilitation. This step marks the last phase of a tongue cancer treatment. The number of sessions required by the patient depends upon the extent of the cancer and also the degree of the after-effects of the surgery on the tongue. People going for such sessions, are taught how to swallow, eat, speak and retain all the normal functions of their tongue.
We can see the different aspects of a tongue cancer treatment and the procedures it follows in the eradication of the cancer. People undergoing the various treatment methods must be mentally prepared for everything that follows once the treatment is initiated. However, as we can see, whatever procedures that are undertaken by the professionals, ensure complete safety and positive results post-treatment.
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