Glossectomy Side Effects and Warnings

Possible Complications

No procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have glossectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Tongue bleeding
• Infection
• Airway blockage from swelling and bleeding
• Trouble swallowing and aspiration of liquids
• Being unable to speak
• Weight loss
• Failure of flap—occurs when transplanted skin or flap does not get enough blood flow
• Recurrence of cancer

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Lung disease
• Large tumors
• Malnutrition
• Alcoholism
• Smoking
• Prior radiation
• Prior chemotherapy
• Diabetes

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the surgery.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Difficulty swallowing or choking on food or liquids
• Swelling, excessive bleeding, or discharge from mouth
• Pain and/or swelling in the feet, calves, or legs
• Problems with urination
• Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
• Increased pain
• Any other worrisome symptom

In case of emergency, CALL 911.