Tongue Cancer

Cancers of the tongue can be very debilitating and painful. They often start with an ulcer or a lump on the side of the tongue.

In Singapore, the cancer registry notes the rates of tongue cancer among males and females have seen a slight increase. The risk factors for oral tongue cancers include smoking, spirits and chronic irrational by sharp teeth – the ‘S’s. For base of tongue cancers, the human papilloma virus or HPV has a causative role.

(Table from nrdo.org.sg)

The principle and undisputed treatment for oral tongue cancers is surgery. Surgery for oral tongue cancers can be undertaken through the mouth. In larger or more posterior tumours, better access can be obtained by splitting the lower jaw in the middle. This is called a mandibulotomy. Following removal of the tumour, reconstruction using a free tissue transfer flap is often necessary to preserve the mobility of the tongue.

The patient above had his 5.5 cm tumour removed through the mouth without needing to split his mandible. A radial forearm free flap – taken from the wrist was used to reconstruct the defect. The lymph nodes in the neck were also removed and fortunately none of these were involved with cancer

The picture below is that of the reconstructed tongue. The patient was able to eat and drink normally and had near normal speech.

He will now require radiotherapy for completion of his treatment.

Share this blog via: