Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of malignant neoplasm of the tongue, developing as a result of malignant changes in the cells of the squamous epithelium. Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in Israel is conducted using progressive techniques that combine high effectiveness and gentle action on the patient's body. To eliminate the oncological formation, methods of laser and radiofrequency destruction, high-intensity ultrasound exposure, and modern surgical techniques are used. If partial or complete removal of the tongue is necessary, plastic surgeries are performed to restore speech and swallowing functions.
As practice shows, with comprehensive therapy at the early stages of the disease, a cure can be achieved in 80-85% of cases. However, timely detection of the pathology is complicated by the fact that at the initial stages, clinical signs are weakly expressed and do not cause discomfort to the patient. Israeli clinics are equipped with the latest technology that allows for the detection of oncological formations of the smallest sizes. Moreover, molecular diagnostics are increasingly used, enabling the identification of malignant processes even in the absence of external symptoms. The treatment of oncological diseases is carried out by specialists with high professionalism and many years of experience. The cost is significantly lower than in the USA and Western Europe, making it accessible for most medical tourists.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
The selection of the most effective treatment methods is carried out taking into account the stage of the pathology, the size and location of the tumour, and some other factors. An innovative statistical computer program is used in the development of the treatment scheme. The basis is the "golden triad" used in the treatment of malignant diseases — surgical removal, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Surgical Treatment
Operative removal of the part of the tongue affected by the malignant process or the entire organ, along with regional lymph nodes, is indicated at advanced stages of the disease. Israeli clinics perform the following types of surgical interventions:
- hemiglossectomy or glossectomy (resection of part or all of the tongue) — the volume of the operation depends on which part of the organ is involved in the malignant process;
- resection of the floor of the mouth in combination with the soft tissues of the mandible;
- removal of the fat tissue located in the neck area;
- removal of submandibular fat tissue in combination with part of the regional lymph nodes;
- reconstructive plastic surgeries — performed to restore the functional capabilities of the organ.
Leading Israeli clinics are equipped with robotic surgical systems that allow for surgical interventions with exceptional precision and minimal damage to healthy tissues. Patient reviews confirm the effective and gentle conduct of surgical treatment of tongue oncopathologies in Israel.
HIFU Therapy
This method is based on the destructive effect of high-intensity focused ultrasound on pathological cells. As a result of the ultrasound waves' impact, the local temperature sharply increases, leading to the necrosis of cancer cells.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Pathological cells are destroyed under the influence of high-frequency electric current, causing their heating to 60-70℃. The current is delivered to the pathological focus using a needle electrode, without affecting the surrounding healthy tissues.
Laser Ablation
Removal of the oncological formation by heating to a critical temperature under the influence of laser irradiation. Before the procedure, the oncological formation is treated with a photosensitizing agent that increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to light exposure.
Radiotherapy
At the initial stage of the disease, radiotherapy is used as an independent type of treatment. Israeli radiologists perform external beam radiation, brachytherapy, and contact gamma therapy. At later stages, radiation therapy is prescribed before surgical operation (neoadjuvant radiotherapy) to reduce the size of the oncological formation and facilitate its subsequent removal. Radiation sessions are also conducted after surgical intervention (adjuvant radiotherapy) to destroy individual malignant cells and prevent recurrence.
At terminal stages of the pathology, radiation therapy is used for palliative purposes. As a result of radiation, painful symptoms are significantly alleviated, the patient's condition normalizes, and the prognosis improves.
Chemotherapy
As a rule, a course of chemotherapy is indicated in cases of the spread of the malignant process and the detection of metastases in lymph nodes and distant organs. To increase effectiveness, chemotherapy is combined with radiation. Medical centers in Israel use the latest generation of chemotherapeutic agents, which differ from traditional ones by lower toxicity, gentle effects on the body, and a small number of mild side effects.
How the Diagnosis of the Disease is Conducted
Along with common diagnostic methods, leading Israeli clinics increasingly apply molecular diagnostics — determining the presence of mutations in malignant cells that affect their sensitivity to various treatment methods. With the help of this innovative type of diagnostics, called Caris Target Now, it is possible to establish the resistance of malignant cells to a particular treatment method, avoiding unacceptable time wastage.
The comprehensive diagnostic examination takes no more than three days in Israeli clinics.
During the initial consultation, the treating oncologist-otolaryngologist reviews the patient's medical history, establishes the probable causes of the pathology, conducts a physical examination, and prescribes necessary examinations.
Undergo the prescribed examinations, which include:
- general and biochemical blood tests;
- biopsy of the neoplasm with subsequent cytological and histological analysis;
- puncture of cervical lymph nodes with cytological analysis of the obtained material;
- ultrasound examination;
- endoscopic examination of the tongue;
- visual imaging methods (X-ray, CT, MRI).
The medical council, which includes the treating oncologist and several narrow-profile specialists, reviews the results of the examinations, makes a final diagnosis, and develops a treatment program.
How Much Does Treatment of the Disease Cost
The cost is determined after the examination and the appointment of treatment procedures. In general, the price in Israeli clinics is 30-50% lower than in Western European and American medical centers with a corresponding level of services.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- Highly qualified oncologists recognized worldwide.
- Clinics equipped with the latest medical and diagnostic equipment.
- Application of innovative treatment methods.
- Comfortable conditions.
- Democratic prices.
With adequate therapy at the early stages of tongue cancer, complete recovery is possible. Therefore, do not waste time, contact your chosen clinic, and start treatment with the leading oncologists in the world.