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Are there alternatives to chemotherapy for tongue cancer?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My brother-in-law underwent an operation on the right side of the CA tongue, followed by radiation and chemotherapy six months ago. For the last two weeks, he has had pain on the left side of the tongue, and we consulted the doctor again.

The doctor said there was no possibility of further operation and radiation therapy. He suggested that he needs to go for chemotherapy only. Though we opted to go for chemotherapy, his body could not support it. He became very weak as he had already undergone surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. This also has more side effects, and he will be unable to resist.

Also, the doctor said that there is no scope for curing. Hence, he advised me to go for medicine, which equals chemotherapy. I kindly request you to give the best possible solutions to save his life.

  1. Is there a possibility of cancer recurrence on the left side within this short period?
  2. What is the stage of cancer before and after the operation?
  3. I have attached his current medication. Is it fine to continue?

Kindly guide.
Answered by Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand that your brother-in-law has undergone treatment for tongue cancer. I would like to point out a few things:

  1. Radiation so soon after previous radiation therapy is not advisable. The doctor's opinion is correct.
  2. This looks like a very aggressive tumor. We can try chemotherapy, but we are unsure of the result.
  3. Some tumors are aggressive by nature. So, they recur.
  4. The stage of cancer does not change after surgery.
  5. He is already taking Zincovit (multivitamins). Please continue that. In addition, give him tablet Pregadoc Plus (Pregabalin and Methylcobalamin) and Elcafort two times a day after food. Consult with his specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take medicine with consent.

Please note that these are not for curing cancer but for reducing pain and improving his general condition.

I hope this helps.

Feel free to reach out in case of any further queries.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At July 18, 2016
Reviewed AtOctober 10, 2025

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas
Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas

Neurosurgery

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