Dysphagia Rehabilitation Following Total Glossectomy

Total glossectomy—resection including the oral and base of tongue—remains the most significant surgical alternative for patients with advanced cancers of the tongue, but given the current advancements in reconstruction and rehabilitation, patients can return to oral alimentation, near-normal activities, and an acceptable quality of life. Successful medical recovery and the ability to restore swallowing function depend on strong and consistent communication between the members of an expert multidisciplinary team that must include a knowledgeable speech-language pathologist. Unlike total glossectomy in past decades, today, total tongue resection no longer mandates a total laryngectomy, nor are glossectomized patients relegated to a liquid diet or feeding tube dependency.