Laser tongue surgery

Need to know

• What happens during treatment? icon plus

  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.

• How to prepare icon plus

  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.

• After treatment icon plus

  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.