Glossectomy removes the cancer-bearing part of the tongue with a safe margin. We tailor the extent (partial, hemi or total) to the tumour and reconstruct to preserve speech and swallowing as far as possible.
Has a Tongue Ulcer or Growth Turned Out to Be Cancer?
Discovering a persistent ulcer or growth on your tongue can be deeply worrying. It is important to know that tongue cancer is a highly treatable condition, especially when diagnosed early.
A glossectomy, or tongue removal surgery, is the primary treatment used to remove the cancerous cells and prevent the spread of the disease — one part of comprehensive oral cancer surgery tailored to your diagnosis.
Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya, our highly experienced oral & maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) specialists, guide you through every step of this journey with clarity, empathy, and surgical precision.
Understanding Glossectomy and Tongue Removal Surgery
A glossectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the tongue. The extent of the surgery depends entirely on the size and location of the tumor.
Partial Glossectomy: Only a small portion of the tongue is removed, which is ideal for early-stage cancers.
Hemi-Glossectomy: One side of the tongue is removed, requiring careful reconstruction to maintain function.
Total Glossectomy: The entire tongue is removed for advanced cases, followed by comprehensive reconstructive surgery.
How the Tongue Cancer Operation is Performed
Every tongue cancer operation is planned meticulously to achieve complete cancer removal while preserving as much speech and swallowing function as possible. Where the cancer may have spread to the neck, it is often combined with a neck dissection in the same surgery.
Surgical Margins: The surgeons remove the tumor along with a safe margin of healthy tissue to ensure no cancer cells are left behind.
Frozen-Section Control: During the surgery, tissue samples are immediately analyzed in the lab to confirm the margins are completely clear of cancer.
Neck Dissection: If there is a risk of cancer spreading, the lymph nodes in the neck are safely removed and examined.
Reconstructive Surgery: For larger defects, advanced tissue transfer is performed to rebuild the tongue. This may involve a PMMC flap or other microvascular tissue transfers coordinated with the wider surgical team at our affiliated Apollo or partner hospital.
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Tongue Cancer Treatment
Healing after a tongue cancer operation involves both physical recovery and functional rehabilitation to help you regain your normal lifestyle.
Speech Therapy: Specialized exercises help you adapt to changes in your tongue, ensuring clear speech.
Swallowing Rehabilitation: Our team works closely with swallowing therapists to help you transition safely from liquid feeds to solid foods.
Pain Management: Modern, tailored pain relief protocols keep you comfortable throughout your hospital stay and home recovery.
Expert Care with Our Chennai Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
When facing tongue cancer, having a consistent, dedicated surgical team makes all the difference. Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya personally manage your care from your initial diagnosis through surgery and long-term follow-up.
Dr. Pradeep S. brings specialized expertise in head & neck surgical oncology, consulting at Apollo Main Hospital, Greams Road, Chennai.
Dr. Kalpa Pandya offers over a decade of experience in managing oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and complex reconstructions, consulting at Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Porur, Chennai.
Together, they provide a seamless, compassionate treatment experience. Our practice warmly welcomes patients traveling from across Tamil Nadu and the wider South India region, offering comprehensive second opinions and coordinated care for outstation families.
What to expect
1Assessment & staging
2Resection with frozen-section margins
3Neck dissection where indicated
4Reconstruction
5Speech & swallow rehabilitation
Glossectomy — watch & learn
Oral Cancer Staging: What You Need to Know & Why It's Crucial
An explainer on how oral cancer is staged and why accurate staging is crucial for planning treatment.
Oral Cancer Treatment Guide: Diagnosis, Surgery, Recovery — Dr. Pradeep S.
Dr. Pradeep S. walks through the full oral cancer journey — diagnosis, surgery and recovery — in this Apollo 24|7 feature.
Does Mouth Cancer Spread Due to Biopsy?
Part of the myth-busting series — addressing the fear that a biopsy spreads mouth cancer.
A glossectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the tongue to treat tongue cancer. It is designed to eliminate the tumor while preserving as much oral function as possible.
How is tongue cancer surgery in Chennai performed?
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon removes the tumor with a safe margin of healthy tissue, often using frozen-section control to ensure all cancer is gone, followed by reconstruction if needed.
How much does tongue cancer surgery cost in Chennai?
The cost of tongue cancer surgery in Chennai depends on the tumor size, the need for neck dissection, reconstruction type, and the hospital stay. We assist with insurance pre-authorizations to help manage costs.
What is the recovery time after a glossectomy?
Initial hospital recovery takes about 7 to 14 days, especially if reconstruction is performed. Complete healing and functional speech or swallowing rehabilitation can take several weeks to a few months.
Will I be able to speak normally after tongue removal surgery?
For a partial glossectomy, speech usually returns to near-normal quickly. For larger surgeries, dedicated speech therapy helps you adapt and regain clear, functional communication over time.
How soon can I get an appointment for a second opinion?
We prioritize urgent cancer consultations. You can typically secure an appointment or a remote second opinion with Dr. Pradeep S. or Dr. Kalpa Pandya within 24 to 48 hours.
Is a neck dissection always necessary during a tongue cancer operation?
A neck dissection is performed if imaging or clinical examination suggests the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, or if the tumor depth indicates a high risk of microscopic spread.
Where do Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya perform surgeries?
They perform surgeries and consult at premier institutions in Chennai, including Apollo Main Hospital on Greams Road and Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre in Porur.
Glossectomy in Chennai
Our practice provides comprehensive tongue cancer treatment Chennai patients can access at leading medical hubs, including Apollo Main Hospital on Greams Road and Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre in Porur, serving areas like Adyar, Anna Nagar, Velachery, and Tambaram.
