Tongue Cancer Removal with Reconstruction & Tongue Preservation at Rechts der Isar Clinic Munich

Tongue cancer removal with reconstruction and tongue preservation at TUM Hospital Rechts der Isar in Munich is delivered through a certified head-and-neck tumor center model that combines oncologic surgery with reconstructive techniques and structured functional rehabilitation, aiming to remove the tumor with oncologically safe margins while preserving or restoring speech and swallowing as much as the disease stage allows. Its approach is fully interdisciplinary, bringing together ENT/head-and-neck specialists and oral-maxillofacial surgeons, along with additional involved disciplines, to cover the full pathway from diagnosis to surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and follow-up within one coordinated framework. Before surgery, evaluation is typically extensive and imaging-driven. Pre-surgical diagnostics include clinical examination, endoscopic assessment of the upper aerodigestive tract (including examinations under anesthesia when required), and cross-sectional imaging using modern ultrasound, CT, and MRI, with PET also used to clarify tumor extent and staging. The final treatment plan is then discussed in a weekly interdisciplinary tumor conference, where an individualized therapeutic concept is defined. This is especially important in tongue cancer, as the balance between oncologic control and functional preservation depends on the exact tumor location, depth of invasion, lymph-node status, and patient-specific risk factors. The surgical component is tailored to whether the tumor involves the mobile tongue, the tongue base, or adjacent subsites in the mouth and throat. For suitable tumors that can be approached through the mouth, the clinic can use robot-assisted surgery using a da Vinci Xi system. It enables tissue-sparing tumor operations with excellent visualization and is used regularly for tumor removal in the tonsil region and the tongue base; CO₂ laser systems are also available as complementary technology. This matters because “tongue preservation” offers: transoral techniques, when appropriate, can reduce external incisions and support a function-oriented strategy while still targeting complete tumor excision. Reconstruction is a core part of the treatment concept rather than an afterthought. Reconstruction after tongue cancer resection may range from smaller defect closure strategies to flap-based reconstructions in more complex resections, chosen to support tongue mobility, oral competence, articulation, and swallowing safety as much as possible. Functional recovery and tongue preservation are reinforced by dedicated diagnostics and therapy for swallowing and speech. The clinic’s phoniatrics and speech-therapy section addresses swallowing problems after head-and-neck tumor operations, including tongue surgery, lymph-node removal in the neck, and reconstructions with flap transplants. This is particularly relevant for tongue cancer patients because postoperative dysphagia risk and rehabilitation needs vary widely depending on resection extent and reconstruction type. If adjuvant therapy is required, the same center framework supports escalation beyond surgery. Alongside tumor surgery, radio-oncologic and systemic therapies, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, are available according to current scientific standards. It also references access to a molecular tumor board via the Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich for special questions, where advanced molecular-pathologic diagnostics may inform targeted or individualized treatment options.