glossectomy

DEFINITION of glossectomy

Glossectomy involves the partial or total resection of the tongue, determined by the size, location, and extent of the tumor or lesion, often with margins of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal of malignant cells. Partial glossectomy removes a portion of the tongue, hemi-glossectomy removes half (typically one lateral side), subtotal removes most but not all, and total glossectomy removes the entire tongue, often requiring reconstruction with grafts (e.g., from thigh, forearm, or abdomen) and possibly laryngectomy to prevent aspiration. It is typically done under general anesthesia by head and neck surgeons, with postoperative challenges including speech impairment (dysarthria), swallowing difficulties (Dysphagia), taste changes, and need for speech/swallow therapy. Reconstruction uses pedicled or free flaps (e.g., radial forearm free flap, anterolateral thigh flap) to restore function and prevent complications like fistula or airway obstruction.

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ETYMOLOGY of glossectomy

greek “Glossectomy” derives from gloss(o)- “tongue” (Greek γλῶσσα glôssa, tongue) + -ectomy “surgical excision” (Greek ἐκτομή ektomḗ, a cutting out). Literally, “cutting out of the tongue.”-ectomy Component roots

• gloss(o)- / glott(o)-: tongue. -ectomy
• -ectomy: surgical removal or excision.

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DERIVATIONS of glossectomy

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Query functionality

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More Notes - Terms built on the same roots

Common clinical subtypes/associations

• Tongue cancer glossectomy - primary use for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.)

• Reconstructive glossectomy - with flap reconstruction post-total removal.

• Base of tongue glossectomy (midline) - for sleep apnea, reducing posterior tongue size.

• Neck dissection with glossectomy - for lymph node staging in cancer.​

Frequently associated procedures/structures

• laryngectomy - often with total glossectomy to prevent aspiration.

• tracheostomy - temporary airway management post-surgery.​

• Radial forearm free flap - common reconstruction donor site.

• Anterolateral thigh flap - for larger defects.​

• Mandibulectomy - if cancer involves jaw.​

• Adjuvant radiotherapy/chemotherapy - post-resection for advanced disease.

Med roots Appendix A Prefixes Appendix B Combining Forms Appendix C Suffixes Appendix D Suffix forms