CaRi-heart technology
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Laser tongue surgery
LASER TREATMENT FOR TONGUE CANCER
HCA UK experts explain how laser surgery is used as an effective way to remove cancer in the mouth and tongue.
About laser surgery
Laser surgery (also known as transoral surgery or laser excision) removes cancer in the mouth and tongue.
It’s a very effective treatment due to its ability to precisely reach parts of the mouth that are difficult to access.
Need to know
The treatment uses an endoscope (an illuminated, flexible tube) to examine the mouth or tongue. Consultants use a carbon dioxide laser to remove the affected areas in small samples which helps to reduce damage to nearby tissue. This means you are less likely to develop infections or complications.
During the process, micro staging is also used to examine tissue under a microscope. This allows consultants to understand if the tumour has grown into the connective tissues or the skin.
During the process, micro staging is also used to examine tissue under a microscope. This allows consultants to understand if the tumour has grown into the connective tissues or the skin.
The treatment will be carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you'll be asleep.
Your consultant will tell you how to prepare for your operation. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you may have.
Your consultant will tell you how to prepare for your operation. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you may have.
Laser treatment is relatively painless, although you may be in some discomfort after the surgery, and nurses can provide pain relief if needed. In rare cases, some people experience bleeding, difficulty swallowing or speaking or swelling.
You will see a wound from the laser treatment initially, but this will heal quickly. It’s normal for it to develop a white or yellow substance around a week after the operation – this shows that it is healing properly. It should be completely healed within four weeks of the operation.
You will see a wound from the laser treatment initially, but this will heal quickly. It’s normal for it to develop a white or yellow substance around a week after the operation – this shows that it is healing properly. It should be completely healed within four weeks of the operation.
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Patient stories
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Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
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Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.