Aa
post surgery swelling
Hello-
I am 21 and was diagnosed and treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. I have none of the known risk factors except for being in the small rare group of otherwise healthy young people with oral cancer. I had a hemiglossectomy (they removed about 1/6 of the tongue - right lateral), a flap was taken from my left and a partial neck dissection. The lymph nodes came back clean as did the margins around my tumor. My surgery was 19 days ago. At my last appointment (about a week ago) my team said I was healing rapidly and ahead of schedule. Today I noticed that some of my swelling along the incision on my neck is more prominent than it was a few days ago.
Is it common for swelling to fluctuate? I also think my "new tongue" is more swollen than before but perhaps it is because I am gaining sensations in the new part? If anyone has any insight on post surgery conditions from a medical standpoint or personal experience please share them with me.
Three months ago I would have never guessed I had cancer...but thus is life!
I am 21 and was diagnosed and treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. I have none of the known risk factors except for being in the small rare group of otherwise healthy young people with oral cancer. I had a hemiglossectomy (they removed about 1/6 of the tongue - right lateral), a flap was taken from my left and a partial neck dissection. The lymph nodes came back clean as did the margins around my tumor. My surgery was 19 days ago. At my last appointment (about a week ago) my team said I was healing rapidly and ahead of schedule. Today I noticed that some of my swelling along the incision on my neck is more prominent than it was a few days ago.
Is it common for swelling to fluctuate? I also think my "new tongue" is more swollen than before but perhaps it is because I am gaining sensations in the new part? If anyone has any insight on post surgery conditions from a medical standpoint or personal experience please share them with me.
Three months ago I would have never guessed I had cancer...but thus is life!
Hi,
I am glad you found the advice helpful. I wish you all the best for your next clinical examination.
I am glad you found the advice helpful. I wish you all the best for your next clinical examination.
Thank you very much, I have an appointment scheduled for next week. I will continue with the soft food diet as you and my team have advised.
Hi,
The swelling in the mouth usually takes few days to subside after hemiglossectomy. Since this a new swelling that you have noticed I would suggest you to schedule an appointment with your treating doctor and get yourself evaluated. Meanwhile please continue with a soft diet for some months to avoid damaging the graft and ensure complete healing of the jaw.
The swelling in the mouth usually takes few days to subside after hemiglossectomy. Since this a new swelling that you have noticed I would suggest you to schedule an appointment with your treating doctor and get yourself evaluated. Meanwhile please continue with a soft diet for some months to avoid damaging the graft and ensure complete healing of the jaw.
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