Tongue Cancer Treatment in Turkey

Tongue cancer treatment in Turkey promises advanced medical care in a country renowned for its exceptional healthcare services. We will explore everything from the primary treatments to post-surgery life, and why Turkey, specifically Avicenna International Hospital, is an excellent choice for tongue cancer treatment. We will address various aspects, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted and immunotherapy drugs, and treatment symptoms and success rates.

Treating Tongue Cancer

The primary treatments for tongue cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, either individually or in combination. The choice of treatment depends on the cancer’s stage and location on the tongue.

Treating the Oral Tongue

The front two-thirds of the tongue, known as the oral tongue, is treated similarly to mouth cancer.

Early Stage

Cancer is considered early-stage when smaller than 4cm and confined within the tongue. The most common treatments include:

• Surgery: Removal of the affected area. Post-surgery, radiotherapy might be used to prevent recurrence (adjuvant radiotherapy).
• Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy is a primary treatment for those unfit for surgery.
• Neck Surgery: Lymph nodes in the neck may be removed to check for cancer spread, possibly involving a sentinel lymph node biopsy or a neck dissection.

Locally Advanced and Advanced Tongue Cancer

This stage includes cancers larger than 4cm or those that have spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or other body parts. Treatment options usually involve:

• Surgery: Removal of the cancerous part of the tongue and affected lymph nodes, often followed by reconstructive surgery.
• Radiotherapy: Administered post-surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Sometimes combined with radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy).
• Targeted and Immunotherapy Drugs: Used depending on specific conditions.

These treatments are also instituted to manage symptoms, such as controlling pain with radiotherapy.

Treating the Back of the Tongue

The back third of the tongue, or the base, is treated similarly to oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the region behind the mouth.

Early Cancer

Treatment options include:

• Surgery: Removal of the cancer and some lymph nodes in the neck.
• Radiotherapy: Applied to the throat and neck, possibly combined with chemotherapy post-surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Locally Advanced and Advanced Tongue Cancer

At this stage, treatments may involve:

• Chemoradiotherapy: Applied to the throat and neck.
• Surgery: Potentially including part of the throat and/or tongue, alongside lymph node removal followed by radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.
• Radiotherapy or Targeted Drug (cetuximab): For symptom control in advanced cases.

Tongue Cancer Treatment Surgery

The surgical approach is to remove cancer and some normal tissue around it (primary tumour resection), which varies based on cancer location. Smaller tumors may require simpler, outpatient procedures, whereas larger ones might necessitate extensive surgery and reconstruction.

Types of Surgery

• Glossectomy: Total or partial removal of the tongue.
• Neck Dissection: Removal of lymph nodes to reduce future cancer risk.

Post-Surgery Care

Post-operative pain is normal but manageable with medication. Surgery might affect eating, drinking, and speech abilities, necessitating consultation with doctors and nurses for support and recovery plans.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy utilizes high-energy waves to destroy cancer cells. It can be used:

• On its own as a primary treatment or post-surgery
• Combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy)

Side Effects

Common side effects include dry, sore mouth and taste alterations. The frequency and duration of treatments are typically once a day, five days a week, for several weeks.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy employs cytotoxic drugs to kill cancer cells, often in combination with radiotherapy. Drugs like cisplatin, sometimes paired with fluorouracil (5FU) or carboplatin, are commonly used.

Side Effects

Chemotherapy can cause nausea and increase susceptibility to infections. The specific side effects depend on the drugs used and the treatment combination.

Targeted and Immunotherapy Cancer Drugs

Cetuximab (Erbitux)

A monoclonal antibody used with radiotherapy for squamous cell head and neck cancers. It is also applicable when traditional chemotherapy fails or is unsuitable.

Nivolumab (Opdivo)

An immunotherapy drug available under certain conditions in the UK, used for recurrent or advanced squamous cell cancer after platinum-based chemotherapy.

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)

This immunotherapy drug treats advanced, inoperable, or recurrent squamous cell cancer, particularly when expressing the PD-L1 protein.

Clinical Trials

Participation in clinical trials may be suggested to explore better or new treatments. Clinical trials are crucial for advancing medical treatment options.

Coping with Tongue Cancer Treatment and Side Effects

Treatment for tongue cancer can significantly impact your daily life, especially regarding speech, eating, and drinking. Post-treatment rehabilitation often involves working with speech and language therapists to help restore these functions as much as possible. Psychological support is also recommended to help patients cope with emotional and mental health challenges arising from their condition and treatment.

Life After Tongue Cancer Surgery

Life after undergoing tongue cancer surgery involves several adjustments, support measures, and follow-up care:

• Speech Therapy: Speech and language therapists will provide exercises and strategies to help you regain as much of your speech ability as possible.
• Nutritional Support: Dietitians will assist in managing dietary changes and swallowing difficulties, ensuring you receive adequate nutrition during recovery.
• Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ups are essential to monitor for any signs of recurrence and manage the long-term effects of treatment.

Exploring Non-Surgical Tongue Cancer Treatments

While surgery is a common treatment for tongue cancer, certain conditions may warrant non-surgical options like radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, especially for patients who are not fit for surgery. These alternatives can be effective in targeting cancer cells while preserving as much normal tissue as possible.

Understanding the Success Rates of Tongue Cancer Treatments

Success rates for tongue cancer treatments can vary according to the cancer’s stage at diagnosis and the specific treatment plan. Early-stage cancers generally have higher success rates with prompt and aggressive treatment. Combining surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy enhances the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes. Recurrent and advanced cases may require additional treatments and frequent monitoring.

Recognizing Tongue Cancer Symptoms

Early detection of tongue cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Common symptoms include persistent sores on the tongue, red or white patches, unexplained bleeding, and pain in the mouth. Advanced symptoms might involve difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, and ear pain.

Spread and Metastasis of Tongue Cancer

Understanding where tongue cancer spreads is crucial for staging and treatment planning. Typically, tongue cancer first spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck. If left unchecked, it can metastasise to other areas such as the lungs, liver, or bones. Regular monitoring and imaging tests are vital for detecting and managing metastasis.

Is Tongue Cancer Curable?

Tongue cancer is curable, particularly when detected early and treated promptly. Early-stage cancers have higher cure rates, benefiting from a combination of surgery and radiotherapy. Advanced cases, although more challenging, can still achieve remission with comprehensive treatment plans involving surgery, chemoradiotherapy, and targeted therapies.

Conclusion

Opting for tongue cancer treatment in Turkey, particularly at renowned institutions like Avicenna International Hospital, ensures that patients receive world-class medical care. Advanced technologies, experienced medical professionals, and comprehensive treatment plans cater to each patient’s unique needs, maximizing the chances of successful recovery.

If you or a loved one is battling tongue cancer, we encourage you to contact Avicenna International Hospital for personalized care and expert guidance on your treatment journey.