Glossectomy is the surgical removal of part of your tongue, the extent of which will be determined during discussion with your surgeon.
Commonly used terms to describe the types of surgeries performed include: - Partial glossectomy: removal of one part of the tongue - Hemiglossectomy: removal of approximately half of the tongue- Subtotal glossectomy: removal of a large portion of the tongue- Total glossectomy: removal of all of the tongue, including the part located posteriorly (at the back of the throat)
Most often, your surgeon will recommend this surgery because of a proven diagnosis of cancer of the tongue from previous biopsy, or you have a lesion/growth which is highly suspicious for cancer.
