When is tumour removal surgery recommended for tongue cancer?

Tumour removal surgery is recommended for tongue cancer when the tumour can be removed safely and surgery offers a meaningful way to control the cancer, taking its position, extent and the person's overall health into account. The treatment team may recommend surgery as the main treatment for a localised tumour, or as part of a plan that also includes treatment for nearby lymph nodes or additional treatment after surgery. The recommendation is individual: it depends on what scans, examination and biopsy show.

The surgeon removes the visible tumour with a margin of surrounding tissue. The amount removed depends on the tumour's depth and position. A smaller operation may preserve more tongue movement, while a larger operation can affect speaking, chewing or swallowing and may require reconstruction. The team may also assess or remove lymph nodes in the neck because tongue cancer can spread there. A pathologist examines the removed tissue to help determine whether further treatment is needed.

Before recommending an operation, clinicians consider whether the tumour can be completely removed, how close it is to important structures, and whether a person's health allows them to recover from anaesthesia and surgery. Speech and swallowing specialists may be involved before and after treatment so that rehabilitation can start promptly.

Ask the head and neck cancer team to explain the planned operation in plain language, including which part of the tongue and whether neck lymph nodes will be treated. Discuss expected effects on speech, swallowing, taste and appearance, the likely hospital recovery, pain control, wound care and rehabilitation. Tell the team about medicines, allergies, smoking or vaping, dental problems and any difficulty eating. A dietitian can help plan nutrition if eating by mouth is difficult during recovery.

After surgery, contact the treating hospital urgently for breathing difficulty, rapidly increasing swelling in the mouth or neck, heavy bleeding, inability to swallow fluids, or signs of severe dehydration. A fever, worsening wound redness, pus, or pain that is not controlled by the prescribed plan also needs prompt medical advice. Follow the discharge instructions because the surgical team knows the procedure and recovery plan.

If tongue pain, an ulcer, a lump, bleeding, numbness or difficulty swallowing persists, arrange an assessment with a doctor or dentist rather than waiting for it to settle. These symptoms have several possible causes, but persistent changes need examination.

What does the biopsy and imaging show about the tumour's position and extent? Can it be removed while preserving the functions that matter most to me? Will lymph nodes in my neck be examined or removed? Could I need radiotherapy or another treatment after surgery? Who will support speech, swallowing, nutrition and pain management during recovery?