Treatment Options for Tongue Cancer

Goals of Treatment for Tongue Cancer

The goals of treatment for tongue cancer are to eradicate the tumor, maximize function (speech, chewing, swallowing, eating), improve quality of life, and prolong survival.

Treatment of tongue cancer usually involves a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals which may include:

• Head/neck surgeon
• Oral surgeon
• Radiation oncologist
• Dentist
• Speech/language therapist
• Nutritionist
• Mental health professional (psychologist/psychiatrist)

A speech/language therapist will assist in maximizing speech and swallowing capabilities following surgical or radiation treatments.

A nutritionist can help to ensure optimal nutritional and caloric intake that is so important in healing and general health.

The patient's psychological status should also be carefully evaluated during and after treatment for tongue cancer for signs of depression, anxiety, or other psychological abnormalities. Psychological counseling may be necessary for those patients who develop moderate or severe psychological problems secondary to the diagnosis and treatment of tongue cancer.