Tongue Cancer Treatment in Israel

Current operative and chemotherapy methods give patients with the diagnosis a favourable prognosis, as long as treatment was started at an early enough stage. if tongue cancer treatment is not performed in a timely and appropriate manner, it might invade the surrounding tissues/organs and metastasize into the esophagus, lungs, liver and/or bones.

Time is of the essence when tongue carcinoma is suspected as the more advanced the disease is the harder it is to treat. During early stages symptoms are normally mild. Worrying symptoms (such as ulcers measuring up to 1 cm) tend to only appear in advanced stages, when the tumour might have already begun spreading into other organs. Don’t lose time. As it develops, tongue cancer may cause paralysis of the soft palate, pharynx and/or larynx, make swallowing and chewing difficult, and metastasize into other organs. Don't waste precious time! Start your treatment today.

Diagnosis

Extensive diagnostics is required when tongue cancer is suspected. It will allow the treating specialists choose the most appropriate treatment for your case and determine the required extent of surgery. Listed below are the diagnostic protocols for suspected tongue malignancies.

• Extensive blood workup (including tumour markers)
• Whole body PET/CT scan to rule out mets
• High-resolution head MRI
• Biopsy revision (please bring the slides/blocks from your previous biopsy with you when you come to Israel!)
• Oncologist consultation
• Otolaryngological surgeon consultation

The aforementioned investigations take 5 days to complete. The work up takes place at the state-of-the-art Assuta Hospital in Tel Aviv. If a new biopsy it needed, the results of the expedited histopathological study will be available within 5-6 working days.

*** If you have already underwent an MRI, you can attach the images to the form. Also, please give us as much details as possible about the symptoms you are currently experiencing. This will help our Israeli experts to draft a diagnostics program for you before your arrive. The long distance doctor’s consultation is FREE OF CHARGE. ***

Treatment

There are two methods of treating tongue cancers: Surgical intervention or radiation therapy according to cutting edge protocols. The decision regarding the treatment will be made by your treating oncologist, depending on the results of the aforementioned investigations. The procedures will take place at Assuta Tel-Aviv.

A plastic otolaryngological surgeon will take part in the surgery. Please be advised that the recovery period following this type of operation is fairly long, so you will have to remain in Israel for up to 2 weeks following your discharge from the hospital. Please be also advised that a partial glossectomy alone is usually not enough, and additional therapy will be required.

Radiation therapy is performed utilizing RapidArc. Treatment lasts for 7 weeks (33 sessions), simulation. Pre-treatment simulation and dynamic monitoring included.

As part of our tongue cancer treatment program you will receive recommendation regarding rehabilitation. We will also keep in touch with you and check on your health. If needed, you can contact us, or any of your treating physicians, questions/concerns.

Symptoms & Risk Factors

Initially, the symptoms of tongue carcinoma are not specific, becoming more pronounced as the disease progresses. Because of this most patients only seek help when the disease is already at an advanced stage.

If you are experiencing any of the following:

• Tongue pain
• Increased salivation
• Lump on or thickening of the tongue
• Non-healing bleeding ulcers
• Difficulty moving tongue

You might be suffering from tongue cancer and should immediately seek medical attention.

Main risk factors for mouth carcinoma include smoking and chewing tobacco. Hazardous working conditions and poor oral hygiene also increase the chances of developing the disease. Additionally, it has been found that people with an HPV infection are 30 times more likely to develop tongue cancer compared to general population. Men are diagnosed with the disease approximately 6 times more often than women.

We have vast experience in treating mouth carcinomas, and have successfully helped hundreds of patients. By choosing Manor Medical Group you are opting for professional medical care by the best specialists in Israel. Testimonials from patients who underwent tongue cancer treatment with us, detailing the process and post-treatment quality of life are available at the bottom of the page.