Tongue Reconstruction

Tongue can be affected by afflictions which are congenital (Lympho-Vascular malformations) or tumors which generally are squamous cell carcinomas of varying grades. The triggering factors are ,smoking, alcoholism and use of betel nut or related substances or a combination of these.Rarely high velocity projectiles causing severe facial injuries involve the floor of mouth and tongue.Reconstruction of the tongue is done with various types of flaps. Micro surgical tongue reconstruction offers a variety of flaps which can be used for this purpose leading to best possible outcomes.

Large Vascular malformation[venous] of the tongue in a young girl.[MRI scan showing the extent of the pathology.]

At the end of Debulking surgery

Tumor resection in the tongue can lead to size able defects. They can range from hemi-glossectomy to near total or rarely total tongue resection.Various flap options are available. The purpose is to retain and restore form and function of the tongue.

Reconstruction after tumor resection.

Resection of the tongue can range from part of the tongue to total resection, depending upon the extent of the disease. Lymph node dissection in the neck is carried out along with the resection of tumor.It can be unilateral or bilateral depending on the location of the disease in the tongue.