How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Partial Glossectomy

The effects on your speech will depend on how much of your tongue has been removed. It can take a few months for your tongue to recover. With exercises and careful attention to speech, most people find they can be clearly understood when talking and can also manage to use the telephone well.

How long is recovery from Glossectomy?

You should be able to tolerate normal diet by 14 days following surgery. During this period of recovery, you should avoid hard and dried foods such as nuts, since these can cause pain and predispose to bleeding.

What happens when part of your tongue is removed?

If a large part of your tongue is removed, some tissue may be taken from your arm, belly or chest and put into your mouth to create a new type of tongue. This is called a flap. Some cancers of the tongue have a risk of spreading to the lymph glands in your neck.