A glossectomy is surgery to remove part or all of the tongue. Four commonly described types of glossectomy are partial glossectomy, hemiglossectomy, subtotal glossectomy and total glossectomy. The operation needed depends mainly on the tumour’s size and location. A partial glossectomy removes less than half of the tongue, while a hemiglossectomy removes approximately half. A subtotal glossectomy removes more than half but leaves some tongue tissue. A total glossectomy removes the entire tongue, including the tongue base. Larger operations may require reconstruction to help support speech and swallowing. The glossectomy classification can vary between medical sources. Some systems describe the specific tissues and muscles removed instead of relying on proportions alone. Ask your surgeon which parts will be removed and preserved and what recovery support you may need. Conclusion: Glossectomy ranges from removing a small portion to removing the whole tongue. Your surgical team will recommend the extent needed to treat the disease while preserving function where possible.