Hemiglossectomy Cost in United Arab Emirates

The cost of hemiglossectomy in the UAE typically ranges from $2,000 to $18,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

In a hemiglossectomy, up to half of the tongue is removed, most often to treat tongue cancer. Lymph nodes in the neck are commonly treated at the same time, and the tongue may be rebuilt. In the UAE, the cost depends on:

• How much tongue is removed: a partial glossectomy (under half) or hemiglossectomy.
• Neck surgery: neck dissection or sentinel node biopsy (Cancer Research UK).
• Reconstruction method: direct closure, skin graft or free flap.
• Temporary tracheostomy and intensive care: sometimes needed.

Tongue cancer surgery with free-flap reconstruction can cost more than the range above. Ask for an itemised estimate.

Cancer Research UK describes a partial glossectomy as removing less than half of the tongue, which can alter speech. When more is removed, the tongue is rebuilt with tissue from another part of the body. Lymph nodes are removed from the neck if the cancer could have spread there.

Speech often changes and improves with therapy. A feeding tube may be needed for a time while swallowing recovers. Flap reconstruction helps keep the tongue's bulk and movement, and radiotherapy is sometimes given after surgery.

Bring biopsy reports and MRI, CT or PET scans. Treatment is planned by a multidisciplinary team covering surgery, radiotherapy and oncology. A dental check is needed before radiotherapy.

Insurers usually require prior approval for planned cancer surgery in the UAE.