Tongue Cancer Surgery (Glossectomy)

Tongue cancer surgery, or glossectomy, is a specialized procedure used to remove cancerous tissue from the tongue while aiming to achieve appropriate cancer control and preserve important functions wherever possible. Dr. Antony Raj James has specialized training and extensive experience in head and neck oncology, including complex oral cavity cancer surgery and glossectomy procedures.

What is Glossectomy?

A glossectomy involves surgically removing part or, in selected advanced cases, a larger portion of the tongue affected by cancer. The extent of surgery depends on the location and extent of the tumor and the need to achieve appropriate surgical margins.

Dr. James has experience in complex oral cavity resections, including glossectomy and T4 compartmental clearance, as part of comprehensive treatment for advanced oral cavity cancers.

When is Tongue Cancer Surgery Recommended?

Surgery may be considered for patients with a confirmed tongue or oral cavity malignancy when the tumor can be appropriately treated through surgical removal. Treatment planning depends on the individual cancer characteristics and may involve discussion within a multidisciplinary tumour board.

For complex cases, surgical planning considers tumor extent, lymph-node involvement, margin requirements and the need for reconstruction. Dr. James regularly contributes to multidisciplinary tumour-board discussions involving surgical, radiation and medical oncology teams.

Advanced Surgical Approach

The goal of tongue cancer surgery is to achieve appropriate removal of the cancer while considering the preservation of important oral functions. Depending on the extent of disease, surgery may be combined with neck dissection and reconstructive procedures.

Dr. James has performed 400+ oral cavity resections as a primary surgeon and has extensive experience with complex oral cavity procedures. His reconstructive experience includes more than 200 pedicled flaps, which may be used when reconstruction is required following major head and neck cancer surgery.

Neck Dissection When Required

Tongue cancers may require evaluation and treatment of lymph nodes in the neck. When indicated, neck dissection can be performed as part of comprehensive cancer surgery. Dr. James has extensive experience with radical, comprehensive and selective neck dissections across levels I–V.

Reconstruction and Functional Recovery

For patients requiring extensive tissue removal, reconstructive surgery may be considered to help restore the structure and function of the oral cavity. Dr. James has experience with pedicled reconstructive flaps, including PMMC, temporalis, nasolabial and submental flaps.

The overall treatment plan is individualized according to the patient's cancer characteristics, surgical requirements and functional needs.

Multidisciplinary Cancer Care

Complex tongue and oral cavity cancers benefit from coordinated care. Treatment planning may involve head and neck surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology and other specialist teams. Dr. James participates in multidisciplinary tumour-board decision-making for advanced head and neck cancers, helping integrate surgical and non-surgical treatment strategies.

Why Choose Dr. Antony Raj James?

• Specialized Head & Neck Oncology Training – MCh in Head & Neck Oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital/ACTREC, Mumbai.
• Extensive Oral Cancer Surgery Experience – 400+ oral cavity resections as primary surgeon.
• Advanced Surgical & Reconstructive Expertise – Experience in complex resections, neck dissections and pedicled reconstructive flaps.
• Multidisciplinary Approach – Complex cases are evaluated through coordinated tumour-board discussions and evidence-based treatment planning.