Glossectomy

/ɡlɒˈsɛktəmi/ noun

Definition

A surgical procedure involving the removal of part or all of the tongue, typically performed to treat cancer or severe injury.

Etymology

From Greek glōssa (tongue) combined with -ectomy (surgical removal), literally meaning 'tongue cutting,' used in medical terminology since the 1800s.

Kelly Says

A glossectomy is one of surgery's cruelest choices—removing the cancer means losing the ability to eat, speak, and taste, so surgeons try to save as much as possible.

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