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Can Resizing The Tongue Be Done To Reconstruct It?

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Posted on Wed, 7 Jan 2015
Question: Hello
I had a glossectomy in July. Removed 50% of my tongue and replaced with thigh tissue. I have completed radiation/chemo in mid October. My tongue hangs out about an quarter of an inch. I went today for follow the doctor scheduled surgery to complete a tongue reduction and remove the tip of my tongue. My question is could they just resize the thigh tissue they used to reconstruct my tongue. I know the more tongue removed the harder it will be to speak. Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
In your case they most likely resize the thigh tissue used to reconstruct .

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

After reading your clinical history it appears that your doctor most probably had done Hemiglossectomy (one third to half of tongue) & Reconstruction with Anterolateral thigh free flap .

Your tongue clinical picture & operation notes will give me better idea about operation & recontruction done .

Most surgeon do overcorrection of tongue , taking into consideration effect of chemo/radiation on newly form tongue . Later they remove excess tissue .

In your case they most likely resize the thigh tissue used to reconstruct your tongue .

Yes , more tongue removal will make difficulty in speaking as well as swallowing .

You will need speech/swallowing rehabilitation by therapist .

Hope this information helpful to you .If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Regards.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Krunal Karade (17 minutes later)
Thank you -- So to be sure I understand. Instead of removing the tip of my tongue the next step should be to resize the thigh tissue use in the glossectomy.

Correct?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes , your doctor most likely resize the excess thigh tissue.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow up query.

Yes , your doctor most likely resize the excess thigh tissue used to reconstruct your tongue than removing your original tongue tissue .

Hope this information helpful to you .
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Krunal Karade

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 1000 Questions

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Can Resizing The Tongue Be Done To Reconstruct It?

Brief Answer: In your case they most likely resize the thigh tissue used to reconstruct . Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for the query. I have read your query and understand your concern. After reading your clinical history it appears that your doctor most probably had done Hemiglossectomy (one third to half of tongue) & Reconstruction with Anterolateral thigh free flap . Your tongue clinical picture & operation notes will give me better idea about operation & recontruction done . Most surgeon do overcorrection of tongue , taking into consideration effect of chemo/radiation on newly form tongue . Later they remove excess tissue . In your case they most likely resize the thigh tissue used to reconstruct your tongue . Yes , more tongue removal will make difficulty in speaking as well as swallowing . You will need speech/swallowing rehabilitation by therapist . Hope this information helpful to you .If you have any further questions I will be happy to help. Regards.