Glossectomy



Definition

A glossectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the tongue.


Purpose

A glossectomy is performed to treat cancer of the tongue. Removing the tongue is indicated if the patient has a cancer that does not respond to other forms of treatment. In most cases, however, only part of the tongue is removed (partial glossectomy). Cancer of the tongue is considered very dangerous due to the fact that it can easily spread to nearby lymph glands. Most cancer specialists recommend surgical removal of the cancerous tissue.


Demographics

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 30,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer in 2003, or about 1.1 persons per 100,000. Of these 30,000 newly diagnosed individuals, only half will be alive in five years. This percentage has shown little improvement for decades. The problem is much greater in the rest of the world, with over 350,000 to 400,000 new cases of oral cancer appearing each year.

The most important risk factors for cancer of the tongue are alcohol consumption and smoking. The risk is significantly higher in patients who use both alcohol and tobacco than in those who consume only one.


Description

Glossectomies are always performed under general anesthesia. A partial glossectomy is a relatively simple operation. If the "hole" left by the excision of the cancer is small, it is commonly repaired by sewing up the tongue immediately or by using a small graft of skin. If the glossectomy is more extensive, care is taken to repair the tongue so as to maintain its mobility. A common approach is to use a piece of skin taken from the wrist together with the blood vessels that supply it. This type of graft is called a radial forearm free flap . The flap is inserted into the hole in the tongue. This procedure requires a highly skilled surgeon who is able to connect very small arteries. Complete removal of the tongue, called a total glossectomy, is rarely performed.


Diagnosis/Preparation

If an area of abnormal tissue has been found in the mouth, either by the patient or by a dentist or doctor, a biopsy is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of cancer. A pathologist, who is a physician who specializes in the study of disease, examines the tissue sample under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

If the biopsy indicates that cancer is present, a comprehensive physical examination of the patient's head and neck is performed prior to surgery. The patient will meet with the treatment team before admission to the hospital so that they can answer questions and explain the treatment plan.


Aftercare

Patients usually remain in the hospital for seven to 10 days after a glossectomy. They often require oxygen in the first 24–48 hours after the operation. Oxygen is administered through a face mask or through two small tubes placed in the nostrils. The patient is given fluids through a tube that goes from the nose to the stomach until he or she can tolerate taking food by mouth. Radiation treatment is often scheduled after the surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. As patients regain the ability to eat and swallow, they also begin speech therapy.


Risks

Risks associated with a glossectomy include:

Normal results

A successful glossectomy results in complete removal of the cancer, improved ability to swallow food, and restored speech. The quality of the patient's speech is usually very good if at least one-third of the tongue remains and an experienced surgeon has performed the repair.

Total glossectomy results in severe disability because the "new tongue" (a prosthesis) is incapable of movement. This lack of mobility creates enormous difficulty in eating and talking.


Morbidity and mortality rates

Even in the case of a successful glossectomy, the long-term outcome depends on the stage of the cancer and the involvement of lymph glands in the neck. Five-year survival data reveal overall survival rates of less than 60%, although the patients who do survive often endure major functional, cosmetic, and psychological burdens as a result of their difficulties in speaking and eating.


Alternatives

An alternative to glossectomy is the insertion of radioactive wires into the cancerous tissue. This is an effective treatment but requires specialized surgical skills and facilities.

Resources

books

"Disorders of the Oral Region: Neoplasms." Section 9, Chapter 105 in The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy , edited by Mark H. Beers, MD, and Robert Berkow, MD. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1999.

Johnson, J. T., ed. Reconstruction of the Oral Cavity . Alexandria, VA: American Academy of Otolaryngology, 1994.

Shah, J. P., J. G. Batsakis, and J. Shah. Oral Cancer . Oxford, UK: Isis Medical Media, 2003.

periodicals

Barry, B., B. Baujat, S. Albert, et al. "Total Glossectomy Without Laryngectomy as First-Line or Salvage Therapy." Laryngoscope 113 (February 2003): 373-376.

Chuanjun, C., Z. Zhiyuan, G. Shaopu, et al. "Speech After Partial Glossectomy: A Comparison Between Reconstruction and Nonreconstruction Patients." Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 60 (April 2002): 404-407.

Furia, C. L., L. P. Kowalski, M. R. Latorre, et al. "Speech Intelligibility After Glossectomy and Speech Rehabilitation." Archives of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery 127 (July 2001): 877-883.

Kimata, Y., K. Uchiyama, S. Ebihara, et al. "Postoperative Complications and Functional Results After Total Glossectomy with Microvascular Reconstruction." Plastic Reconstructive Surgery 106 (October 2000): 1028-1035.

organizations

American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. One Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. (703) 806-4444. http://www.entnet.org .

American Cancer Society. National Headquarters, 1599 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. (800) ACS -2345. http://www.cancer.org

Oral Cancer Foundation. 3419 Via Lido, #205, Newport Beach, CA 92663. (949) 646-8000. http://www.oralcancer.org

other

CancerAnswers.com. Tongue Base and Tonsil Cancer. http://www.canceranswers.com/Tongue.Base.Tonsil.html .

Cancer Information Network. Oral Cavity Cancer. http://www.ontumor.com/oral/ .


Monique Laberge, Ph.D.

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?


A glossectomy is performed in a hospital by a treatment team specializing in head and neck oncology surgery. The treatment team usually includes an ear, nose & throat (ENT) surgeon, an oral-maxillofacial (OMF) surgeon, a plastic surgeon, a clinical oncologist, a nurse, a speech therapist, and a dietician.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR


Also read article about Glossectomy from Wikipedia

User Contributions:

1
Dayalan.K.
its a good article for beginers, bcos there is no specific book or artcle on glosetomy rehabilitation, could you please send me some refernce or articles reviws where i can get information.
thanking you
2
neishe
i am PG student in speech pathology. please add more information on rehabilitation
3
mary
Hello
My husband is undergoing a glossectomy on Mon.
Just a partial - the doctor said it is a precancerous tumor
What should we expect for recovery and will he be hospitalized overnight or outpatient out in a few hours?/ Just curious what were your thoughts.

Thanks
Mary
4
seema
My mother is undergoing a glossectomy next week
Just a partial - the doctor said it is a precancerous tumor..
clinically it is malignancy but pathalogically, the reports are found to be normal......? is it just to avoid cancer?
5
AMIN
MY BROTHER IS UNDERGOING COMPLETE GLOSSECTOMY NXT WEEK,DR.IS SAYING AFTER SOME TIME HE CAN GET BACK HIS TASTE.B'COZ WE DONT WANT HIS TASTE TO GO.AFTER HOW LONG HE CAN COME BACK TO HIS NORMAL LIFE??WILL IT BE POSSIBLE OR IS THERE ANY OTHER ALTERNATIVES OTHER THAN GLOSSECTOMY?
PLEASE HELP ME.
THANK YOU
6
Jennifer
My son had a full glossectomy on Monday 1/25/2010. He is healing nicely and will need radiation therapy. I am wondering about taste after something like this with even a partial glossectomy? My son will eat through a PEG tube for awhile, and I highly doubt he will taste anything ever again. Thoughts?
Hello, my brother who is going to be 43yrs. old on 4-15-2010, was told in Oct. 2009 he had tongue cancer, he has had radation and chem. He has got back his results from the pet test, he has cancer still in his tongue, now he is due to meet with a specists about removal of the tongue, he is still losing weight, can't eat, can't swallow, the Dr. removed his trac and feeding tubes way soon, he was told he needs them both put back in, he needs to gain weight before the surg can be done, As I read about other people with this terrible cancer of the tongue, I feel he is not alone,it's tearing our whole family up watching him go thru this and feeling so helpless, I will pray for all of you that i have read about, keep going and keep fighting.
Earlier today 4-12-2010, I was read about Glossectomy and I wrote a few lines about my 43yr. old brother who was told he had tongue cancer back in Oct 2009, he has been thru chem and radation and after his pet scan it has came he still has the cancer in his tongue, he has lost over 125 pds, he can not eat, he can barely swallow water or any fluids for that matter, he is due to have the trac and feeding tube put back in due to the weight he has lost and the Dr.'s are now talking about having his tongue removed. Please any information anyone can give to us would be so needed at this time. My prayers are with all of you have been thru this, so much of this I do not understand. What I have read from cancer survivors are encourageing. Thank you speaking about journey and informing the ones of us who are educated on the procdures of tongue cancer.
My brother had a partial glossectomy on March 10th. We went to the Doctor on yesterday. He's doing ok physically. He's able to drive again. He still has his trach in. I guess he probably lost 100 lbs. One of the nurses even said he had mouth cancer but the Doctor didn't examine him at that time, but that was before he became diabled and he didn't have insurance. Once he had the insurance every medical professional that saw him couldn't see the cancer until it was almost too late. My brother is concerned with all the swelling he has now, but it's only been a month and a half. He was a jokester and he could really sing and now we can't hear any of that anymore but he is alive and getting better everyday with God's help and everyone's prayers.
Why is tracheostomy performed for patients as an elective procedure.eg at a time of major surgery such as a partial glossectomy?
Unfortunately my husband, 58 years old, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma at the base of his tongue in July 2010. He underwent 3 chemo sessions and 30 radiation treatments to his neck because it had spread to the lymph nodes on the Rt side. His last radiation treatment was in September and we found out in November that the cancer was still present, the radiation didn't work. On December 3rd he underwent the removal of his entire tongue, his voicebox and all lymph nodes on the Rt side of his neck. He was in the hospital for 8 weeks. He never had a chance to completely recover, and in March 2011 he started to develop tumors on the surgical site of his neck (he was cut ear to ear)and the tumors turned out to be a recurrence of his cancer and it had gone into both of his lungs as well. My husband has been through more in 8 months than I could possibly write in 4000 characters alotted in this box I'm typing in. He lost his battle against the cancer on March 21, 2011. I still can't believe the nightmare I watched for 8 months as he tried so hard to beat it. God bless all who are fighting and God bless the caregivers and families as well. It's a tough road to walk.
Anyone who can tell me info about tongue and voicebox removal please let me know. My husband is about to have this procedure but he has has radiation two different times and chemo. He will not be able to receive radiation anymore, we don't know what to expect, or if the quality of life is worth this procedure, afaid they won't get it all and he will stay in constant pain, and suffer till his final days. I would appreciate and input I could get. Thanks, Pam
13
fatima
hi i hav a question n need an immediate answer pliz!!!
how much of the tongue can be removed without affecting the tongue's function?
I am a 31 year old, 2 year survivor of this procedure. I went through this procedure in July, 2009. I had 3/4 of my tongue removed and 63 lymph nodes (10 were cancerous).

I can honestly say this is one of the most invasive and life-altering processes I've ever witnessed. After the surgery and 10 days recovery (3 in ICU) I underwent 3 chemo and 30 radiation treatments. I lost about 40 lbs (going from 155 to 115).

Over 2 years later I have limited speech capabilities (difficulties with certain sounds such as hard K) and a severely limited diet/food intake due to the lack of saliva and tongue mobility.

To answer some of the above questions (for future readers):

Rehabilitation starts during recovery, after the trach has been removed. The therapist recommended moving the tongue in each direction as much as possible to exercise the remaining muscles. Speech and swallowing were monitored to determine recovery rate and to assist in therapy. Both therapists recommended various exercises to strengthen the remaining muscle to regain speech and swallowing capabilities. Mostly, it was suggested I drink water when possible, and use certain syllables or sounds that were difficult to improve speech and swallowing.

The surgery takes 10-14 hours to complete and recovery time is at least a week, usually more. Also, radiation and chemo follow almost immediately. Expect to be unable to perform household duties, drive or work more than a few hours a day at a desk job for about 6 months after the initial surgery. I also had a feeding tube implanted in my stomach due to the inability to swallow following the surgery. That was in place for about 7 months following the surgery.

My taste was retained. For several months after I was able to take food by mouth again, I was very sensitive to extreme flavors (salty, sweet and spicy, especially). Bland, soft food is recommended. Jello, puddings (depending on consistency and the individual) and liquid drinks such as Ensure will be your best friend for quite a while, if not for ever (as in my case).

Depending on how much of the tongue is removed and the effects suffered by radiation, normal food consumption may never be possible. I have had some luck with certain solid foods, such as steak cooked rare, hot dogs and a few others. I must consume a lot of water when eating and I become very tired even now. Take things slow and do not try to consume something you are not ready for. This can lead to aspirating or choking due to the weakened muscles.

The tracheotomy is done due to the swelling that may/does occur in the back of the throat. Once the tongue swells due to the surgery, it can restrict access both from the mouth and the nasal passages for air flow. I had mine in for several weeks after the surgery. It is a temporary tube which will require cleaning and suction to maintain air flow. Most patients will require assistance on occasion.
In march of 2011, my wife of 40yr, a retired Rn noticed she had a sore throat. Upon investigating, an ENT said she had cancer of the throat on the left tonsil. She took six wk of radiation followed by 3 chemos every three weeks. The results were good and the Radiaologist and enchologist, said the tumor was gone . All was well, so 3months later, a follow up scan showed two more tumors.Base of the tongue and up the left side. Our current encologist and ENT
did not recommend surgery and said that the only hope we have is chemo. Radiation can not be used. We were shock, because we knew that chemo alone does not work. We seeked out a second opinion and they said that we could try surgery with a total tongue removal and flap. We need information if its worth it because we can no use radiation. Please help.
16
Debb
I had two thirds do my tongue removed due to cancer 1&1/2years ago and am able to speak fairly well but with the removal of all my bottom teeth and the shortness of my tongue it is close to impossible to eat any food with out putting it thru a food processor is this it for the rest of my life? Or is there some type of hope?
17
Pam
My son was diagnosed with oral cancer of the tongue almost 2 years ago. He is now 29 yrs old. He had a partial glossectomy twice. The first time he had chem x 3 and 30 radiation treatments. Within 9 months the cancer was back. They did a second partial glossectomy with the forearm radial flap to reconstruct the tongue. The cancer returned within 3 months. He then had a third surgery which they removed his entire tongue, larynx, thyroid. He then had 7 chemo and 30 more radiation treatments. Six weeks after his treatments stopped the cancer has returned at the tracheotomy site. There are no further options for him. This cancer knows no bounds. It is the most aggresive cancer I have seen. My son fought a hard battle and has lost. I just pray for a peaceful ending for him as he has endured this pain long enough. He smoked some and drank some but not long enough to cause this cancer per the doctors. He was not HIV positive which causes this cancer in some people. They do not know how or why he got this. I pray that for all of you on this site you have better outcomes.
18
Neeti
My mom had a surgery done in 2010 and her tongue was Removed.We are now looking for a doctor who can make a tongue prosthesis for her. She is living close to Atlanta,US right now. CAn somebody help us in finding a doc
19
Cheryl
Neeti - Contact Dr. Guy Sullivan at ACI in Savannah, Georgia, he is an excellent doctor, and I am sure he can help you. He has done it for a friend of mine, and had great success.
20
Cheryl
I am sorry, it should be Dr. Guy Petruzzelli at the Anderson Cancer Institute in Savannah, Georgia.
My mom is 79 she has been diagonst with tongue cancer. They are talking about possible having to remove up to 50% of her tongue on the left side. This is without a doubt frieghting to my Georgia Peach Mom here in Ct; as well as her adult children. We are asking the computer network of families and I have learned we all are FAMILY having family or friends who have this condition. We are asking for any advice direction, questinse we need to ask anything. For all six of us this is truely over whelming. We just want the best for MOM.
22
Terry
I was diagnosed with Adnoid Cystic Carcinoma in June of 2008 and had a total glossectomy in July of 2008, followed by 7 weeks of radiation. No chemo as this type of cancer does not respond to chemo. My speech is impaired, but it is intelligible. I was on a feeding tube for about 6 months. I can now eat, but it was a slow process. Physically it is difficult because you have to chew everything well and wash it down with lots of water or milk, but it was also difficult because of the fear I had of choking. I can now eat a pretty good variety, but in small quantities. About 50% of my diet is liquid (ensure and boost). It's not pleasant, but considering the alternative, I feel pretty lucky. The cancer returned in 2010 to my liver, and was also surgically removed but no radiation this time. It's a type of cancer that tends to hide and rear it's ugly head every couple of years so I have to be diligent in my screens. I have had a wonderful surgeon in Dr. Mark Urken and my oncologist, Lou Harrison. God bless all of you. Cancer is a horrible disease, but we have to keep fighting.
23
Bronwyn
My father has had numerous mouth cancers removed over the last fourteen years. In March this year he was diagnosed with aggressive tongue cancer. The initial prognosis was there was nothing they could do due to the amount of radiation therapy he had already received for his previous cancers. As you can imagine, we were devastated. He had another appt with an oral surgeon and he offered my dad the option to take his voice box and all of his tongue. My father elected to have the surgery without us really knowing what the outcome would be. My Dad was told he would remain in hospital for at least 4 weeks, he was out within a week and swallowing liquid which they said would not happen for at least six months. My Dad cannot speak but communicates quite well with writing and using ipad talking apps. Although he can only eat fluids i.e. soups, custards etc, he believes that he made the right decision. My Dad is in good spirits and seems to get just that little bit better everyday. If we can help with anyone battling with the decision on a total glossectomy we advise to do it your quality of life is altered enormously but with family help and love it works out better that he is here with us in this capacity than not at all.
24
Thomas
TOday in less than an hour I go to the doctor for biopsy for Oral Cancer. I read this page and am grateful for each and every post. I now know what this is all about. The sore on my right side of my tongue is exactly like photo's of oral cancer but I can only hope. What I am saying is Thank you for your willingness to post here, I will return after my biopsy has been read. Blessings to each of you. Peace~ Thomas
25
Corey sandell
I just had a total glossectomy and removal of 5 lymph nodes in my neck I was in the hospital for 17 days while my stay in the hospital I developed an infection called Kyle in result of this my throat had to be opened up 3 more Times 6 months after my surgery I still have a peg tube in my belly life is very hard now I can not eat at all threw my will this ever change? I can drink in small amounts the only thing keeping me going is the love and support of my family and my new born baby girl I want nothing more then to be able to swallow food again if anybody has an answer for me I would greatly appreciate it God bless all those fighting this painfull baddle we will best this
26
Danny Schindler
I was diagnosed with squamous cell tongue cancer in August 2010. I underwent 6 wks of radiation chemo. In March 2011 They found that the cancer was still there. In March 2011 I had a portion of my tongue resected with a flap and artery from my wrist. After I healed, it was determined that I couldn't swallow so in August I had a laryngectomy and a new esophagus made from a flap and artery from my other wrist. I was doing okay until July 2013 when my tongue quit moving. With a PET Scan it was determined that my cancer was back. I went in Sept. 5th and had a partial glossectomy. The results came back that they didn't get all of the cancer and suggest a total glossectomy. But the odds are only 65% that they can get all of the cancer. I have an appointment. next week with the doctor to see what my decision is. Either live out my life the way I am or to have the total glossectomy. It's a real tough call and my wife and I are struggling with what to do. If anyone has any input, positive or negative, I would appreciate the feedback
27
Gracie
My Brother was diagnosed with squamous cell tongue cancer 3 stage in July 2 2013,He had a partial glossectomy in August12 2013,op duration was 13 1/2 hours, they remove 10 lymph nodes from left side only 1 was bad,and 5 from right side and only 1 was bad to,they did a flap from his leg,also they remove all of his teeth, his speech is "ok" the size of the tumor was 4 cm,he also got a feeding tube we only used it for med's,he is eating solid food allot of proteins,right now he only dealing with the side effects from the radiation(burn) he had 6 weeks of radiation and 6 chemo treatments last radiation was Nov 1 and chemo Oct 28,we going back for a scan in 8 weeks,he stay at the hospital only 7 days (2 icu )God bless all those fighting this painful battle DON'T GIVE UP ,hugs :)
28
phil
Hi Terry I had the same surgery you had in 1st June 2013 thy had to remove bit more n half my tongue.They also removed 6 lymph nodes from my left side on the neck.Even till today the surgery area is still numb I still can't eat solids which I was able to do after 6 weeks I don't really know what the problem is now and there is like some thing stuck in my throat and I have water saliva and very uncomfortable when I sleep.Now I get some pain in the surgery scared area which I checked in the net and found that it's the nerves trying to reconnect / regenerate and what next did you have any of the above.
Kind Regard,
Phil.
29
Jordy
My husband had tonsil and base for tongue cancer surgery with radiation treatments for 6 weeks.
All was well for 7 years when he got a lesion inside his cheek Same side. That had to be
Removed and skin graft from his thigh to inside his cheek. Lymph nodes were also removed
And were negative. He has recovered and it has been 3 years with check ups
Every 6 months. Only thing is he can't get his mouth open wide enough
To get a bite of anything. He eats very soft food from a spoon and has to slurp it. We can't
Figure out why his mouth cannot open further. Drs say it's from radiation? Any clues? Said
Nothing can be done. It is getting harder for him. Getting worried .
I have been diagnosed again 2 Jd time in a year with base of tongue cancer chemo & radiation, this time they're Guna remove the hole tongue 6/11/14 I have a very loving wife & fabulous daughter but is living this way really living at all is it worth all the pain & suffering? No one can answer that probly but sum one tell me sum thin incoaraging please
31
Bob
John , on April 10 th I had 70% of my tongue removed . They rebuilt it with my left quad muscle . I was in ICU for 4days after the surgery,out of the hospital 8 days after the surgery . I smoked for about 15 years ,( about a pack a day ). They took my trach out the day I left the hospital . I start radiation therapy on Mon. Chemo a week later . My speech improves everyday, My saliva build up and mucus reduces everyday . I have a feeding tube but haven't used it in about 3 weeks . I'm keeping it in until I'm done with radiation . I puree fish and broccoli , chicken , soup , cottage cheese , ice cream . Been practicing by the sink with harder foods. You do have to slurp your food a bit ,and be careful not to choke . That's why you practice by the sink . I was back in the gym 3 weeks after my surgery, playing golf 4 weeks after the surgery, fishing etc . It's not easy ,but you can do this . Healing is not only in your body , but also in your mind . My concern is that radiation and chemo set me back . They tell you the prognosis is 50/50 to make 5 years . In my case I probably had 1 or 2 months to live if I didn't have the surgery. My tumoor was 6.6cms x 5cms. It was eroding the arteries in my tongue and I would have severe bleeding episodes Trust your doctors and do what they recommend . Don't be afraid to push yourself a little after . I did lose about 70 lbs. and I lost about 40% of my muscle mass . Through a little perseverance and hard work you can get it back . I wish you the best ,and YOU can do this for you and yours .
32
neelam
hello i want to say that after gloosectomy proper follow up and treatment is very important.it vl help to regain gud health.
I have tongue Cancer now and am facing some tough decisions.
I have had 3 rounds of Chemo and 35 Radiation treatments.
I had a PET scan yesterday and am waiting for the results.
I am scared to get the results, and am asking for any help and prayers
you can offer. God bless each one of you.
34
RSmith
I have a friend scheduled for partial glossectomy (50% removal), who lives far away (in another country) but is very dear to me. Here is my question: what helped you, after surgery? I am struggling to think of what I might do for her other than pray for her and send cards and flowers. Is there anything else I could do that would be especially helpful? (She has a good network of people to help her, post surgery.) It sounds like the recovery road is a long and hard one. God bless all of you going through this challenge.
35
Joan
My husband has base of tongue cancer. He was first diagnosed in 2011 and had 35 radiation treatments and chemotherapy. It came back this year and he had another 25 radiation treatments (twice daily) and chemo. We just got the results of the PET and there is still a small tumor on the base of tongue. Only option now is total glossectomy and it may impact his epiglottis. I fear he would be on a feeding tube for the rest of his life unable to swallow his own saliva. Does anyone have any information to share (articles, etc.) that might help us understand the quality of life he will be facing?
36
Marg
My son had a partial glossectomy three times.
The cancer just keeps coming back. In October he had a full glossectomy.
He has a feeding tube, will never be able to speak to his 5 and 6 year olds never smell or taste anything ever again. Never be able to kiss his wife. The list just goes on and on,
we make all his food from organic fruits and vegetables and meat. Protein powders, flax oils etc. he is feeling a little more energetic
. How any of you continue on is amazing. My heart goes out to all of you and your caregivers. It is not a great quality but it is life and you get to give them hugs, tell them they are loved.
I wish we had more information. We feel like we are going blind.
They can grow an ear. what research has been done on this horrible cancer?
It is hard to fight to be alive and plan for your death at the same time.
Fight we must. Hope we must. Pray we must. My son was given 3 months, he is in his third month.
It is really hard to watch the suffering, but then you get a few moments of joy together.
Do not forget to laugh. This might be the hardest thing to do.
37
shubhanjali tripathi
After surgery there is any risk for patient in future?
38
Gloria
I was diagnosed stage 4 SQUAMOUS CELL CA OF TONGUE I had 65% of my right side to ur removed and 6 lympnodes. The took a graft fro my wrist to reconstruct my right side. I had my surgery 8/13/15 and it's been up and down. My healing has been very good from what my doctors. My neck swelling is down but I am concern of the limited mobility. My swallow text shows that my left side is better to drink and I can do thick liquids. It's been hard since I still now have to do 33 radiation and 6 chemo which begin 9/28/15 I'm scared anyone can tell Em have you similar surgery any advice how to get calories and range moth to. To neck ?? ANY INFORMATION IS GREALTY APPRECIATED
39
Gloria
I was diagnosed stage 4 SQUAMOUS CELL CA OF TONGUE I had 65% of my right side to ur removed and 6 lympnodes. The took a graft fro my wrist to reconstruct my right side. I had my surgery 8/13/15 and it's been up and down. My healing has been very good from what my doctors. My neck swelling is down but I am concern of the limited mobility. My swallow text shows that my left side is better to drink and I can do thick liquids. It's been hard since I still now have to do 33 radiation and 6 chemo which begin 9/28/15 I'm scared anyone can tell Em have you similar surgery any advice how to get calories and range moth to. To neck ?? ANY INFORMATION IS GREALTY APPRECIATED
40
Gloria
I was diagnosed stage 4 SQUAMOUS CELL CA OF TONGUE I had 65% of my right side to ur removed and 6 lympnodes. The took a graft fro my wrist to reconstruct my right side. I had my surgery 8/13/15 and it's been up and down. My healing has been very good from what my doctors. My neck swelling is down but I am concern of the limited mobility. My swallow text shows that my left side is better to drink and I can do thick liquids. It's been hard since I still now have to do 33 radiation and 6 chemo which begin 9/28/15 I'm scared anyone can tell Em have you similar surgery any advice how to get calories and range moth to. To neck ?? ANY INFORMATION IS GREALTY APPRECIATED
41
Teresa
I just had surgery for Tongue Cancer. Diagnose with (Squamous Cell Carcinoma). Had a partial glossectomy and lymp-nodes removed. I surgery on 01-28-16 and I was in the hospital for 4 days. Did anyone experiences the mouth watering all the time with a strong taste of salt. I am assuming it from the iv solutions and my body is trying to flush it out. I am having a hard time talking, my tongue so swollen its over my bottom teeth. Must be careful not to bite down. Will the swollen of tongue and neck go down and can any one explain the stages and how long the healing process. This is all new to me. I only been home since Sunday from the hospital. This is tough. I pray for everyone out there with tongue cancer and hope you all beat it. Fight like boy and girl. Don't give up.
42
Omar
My mother underwent partial glossectomy for hemangioma of 2x2cm.
Now able to eat soft food, but unable to speak properly. AFTER HOW MANY DAYS OF SURGERY, SHE CAN BE ABLE TO SPEAK PROPERLY? thank-you
I just had a partial glossectomy with skin graft from my wrist to reconstruct tongue. Surgery was a day before my 39th bday. This has been terrible. Barely have energy just to tolerate tube feeding and go for a few walks. On biopsy, poorly differentiated cells, aggressive the . I pray this doesn't come back. Just bought a juicer, going organic once I can eat again. Still on tube feed. Awaiting radiation , might need chemo. This is not the way I want my story to end ! Prayers would be appreciated. So many things I have not done in this life.
Brandy
44
Charles
I will be 47 in a couple of days. I just had tongue reconstruction with radial free flap taken from my arm almost 1 month ago. I also had a neck dissection on my left side. 31 lymph nodes removed that came back clear. I was in the hospital just under 1 week. Discharged home with a nasal feeding tube and tracheostomy tube. The feeding tube was removed during my 1-week follow up appointment. A speech therapist checked my swallowing ability with a few different substances, water, applesauce and graham crackers I believe. I still have the trach tube, should be coming out in a few days at my next appt. I have a lot of swelling in my neck that developed right after discharge from the hospital. I was told from one of the docs that it's blood and would just reabsorb itself. I'm thinking that it is probably really lymphedema. Looking into ways of treating it. My speech is doing better. My wife says it sounds like my tongue is a bit too big for my mouth otherwise it sounds ok. I wish anyone having to go through this good luck and hang in there.
45
Tony
Hi I just had a partial glossectomy 80% of my tongue and all my lymph nodes removed. I made a bad choice when first diagnosed and tried to self treat using "Pheonix Tears"
Cannabiss Oil. Although this made sleeping,working and eating easier , it hid the fact that the tumor was growing rapidly. By the time I went back to my doctor I needed the large amount of my tongue removed immediatley . My sugery went well and I was only in hospital 10 days. I can talk some but have a tube in to eat. I can drink fluids and am hopeful that I will eat solids soon. I do have a problem with excessive saliva and am wondering if any one has any ideas about how to help with this. Also I will start Radiation Therapy soon and have decided not to do chemo. I have herd many different opinions about chemo but don't like the odds of improvement in chances to live. My Doctor says that I have a 50/50 chance with out the radiation. An 80/20 chance with and 90/10 chance if I do chemo as well. Any thoughts would be welcome. My best to all my fellow warriors
46
Daniel
Squarmos Cell Carcinoma stage 3 here! I was at the University of Michigan / Rehab facility for about a month and a half this September / October.. lost a good amount of my tongue, lymph nodes, teeth. I was only in there so long because I died 2x and went into a coma ( whoops). I'm seeing a couple reviews that people ARE able to eat 'normie' food after awhile, I hope I can when I get dentures. BUT you have wait for all the swelling to go down, which I was told would be about a year.. This whole swollen face/neck/chest is starting to get old, not to mention putting everything in a food processor. Tired or blending spaghetti, or cooking everything with gravy, lots and lots of gravy. I can puree BBQ pulled pork, but, like said above, you need ALOT of water! I didn't get a tongue flap, and for tissue replacement, my chest was cut BIG and they pulled the muscle and tissues up.
So, 5 months later, half of my face is numb, so is my chest, part of my neck, and my ears n face. I know I'm gonna be pissed if I pay $3000 for dentures and still cant eat. Oh, btw, I'm 38, n a single divorced Dad.. Dating again NOW scares the hell outta me...
47
John Gray
Since I just had this procedure, I can say with authority that the patient will have a tracheal tube inserted for breathing and nasal tube for meds, food and other liquids. You won't find a patient with two nasal tubes
In May 2016 I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma stage 1 and had a partial glossectomy with 59 lymph nodes removed and a wrist flap reconstruction. I had a tracheotomy and nasal feeding tube. The surgery took 14 hours and I was in hospital for 12 days. I was very fortunate that we caught the cancer very early and didn't require chemo or radiation. I wake up every single morning, deeply grateful for another day on this planet, loving my husband and our children and the life I have been blessed with. I eat a plant based diet & chose a holistic approach to my recovery. I bought a cold pressed juicer & a Thermomix & have used daily yoga and meditation and I have treated the pain and scars with essential oils.
Today I am doing great. Some difficulties with speech and eating but otherwise in good - body and mind. I encourage anyone who is going through this awful experience to take control of your life wherever you can. It is horrendous and scary but you still have some choices in your journey. Xaj
49
renee
My husband 69 in going in for a partial glossectomy 25% and right side neck lymph removal. Dr. Says 1 or 2 days hospital and two weeks down time. My husband is a smoker and also has COPD. From what I am reading, I seems they are painting a rosier picture then what I have read. He is 6ft and weighs about 145, he is 15 to 20lbs under weight now. Please provide your input on what we can realistically expect. Thanks and Bless your injured brave souls
50
Karen
I'm having a partial glossectomy on the back left side of my tongue and I'm doing it in Same Day Surgery. Dose it usually go that well to where you can go home after I've always heard of people having a trach and feeding tube

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