How Do You Spell GLOSSECTOMY?

Pronunciation: [ɡləsˈɛktəmɪ] (IPA)

Glossectomy is a medical term used to describe the surgical removal of all or a part of the tongue. The spelling of this word can be explained by using IPA phonetic transcription. 'Gloss-' is pronounced as /ɡlɔs/ and 'ectomy' is pronounced as /ektəmi/. The combination of the two makes the word 'glossectomy' pronounced as /ɡlɔːˈsektəmi/. It can be challenging to spell this word correctly without prior knowledge of medical terminology, but it is essential to ensure accuracy when discussing surgical procedures.

GLOSSECTOMY Meaning and Definition

1. A glossectomy refers to the surgical procedure where the tongue, or a portion of it, is completely or partially removed. The term is derived from Latin, where "glossa" stands for tongue, and "ectomy" denotes the surgical removal or excision of an organ or tissue. Glossectomy may be performed for various reasons, most commonly to treat or remove cancerous or precancerous lesions found on the tongue. It is also utilized as a treatment option for severe cases of sleep apnea, wherein the tongue obstructs the airway during sleep.

   During the glossectomy procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the mouth to gain access to the tongue. The extent of tissue removal depends on the underlying condition or purpose of the surgery. In cases of cancer, the surgeon aims to remove all cancerous cells, while preserving the vital functions of taste, speech, and swallowing as much as possible. Reconstruction procedures may be necessary following a glossectomy to restore functionality and aesthetics, such as using tissue grafts or implants.

   Post-surgery, patients might experience temporary or permanent changes in speech, swallowing, or taste due to the alteration in tongue structure and function. Rehabilitation, which includes exercises and therapy, is often recommended to help patients adapt to these changes and regain normal oral functions. Glossectomy is a complex surgical procedure that requires skilled medical professionals and is typically performed under general anesthesia. Regular follow-up appointments and long-term monitoring are crucial to assess the patient's recovery and to detect any potential complications.

2. Elinguation, excision or amputation of the tongue.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for GLOSSECTOMY

• flossectomy
• vlossectomy
• blossectomy
• hlossectomy
• ylossectomy
• tlossectomy
• gkossectomy
• gpossectomy
• goossectomy
• glissectomy
• glkssectomy
• gllssectomy
• glpssectomy
• gl0ssectomy
• gl9ssectomy
• gloasectomy
• glozsectomy
• gloxsectomy
• glodsectomy
• gloesectomy

Etymology of GLOSSECTOMY

The word "glossectomy" is derived from Greek roots. It is formed by combining two Greek words: "glossa" meaning "tongue" and "-ectomy" which means "surgical removal" or "excision". Therefore, "glossectomy" literally means the surgical removal or excision of the tongue.

Plural form of GLOSSECTOMY is GLOSSECTOMIES