It can be a combination of factors, In addition to the lymphodemia. it can also be a fungal infection, like thrush or bacterial infection or combination, which can make the tongue swell. Some medications cause tongue, mouth swelling too, besides the cancer treatment. Other factors may also be inhibiting eating like mucocitis, ulcers, throat inflammation, and treating these with proper oral care, rinsing, avoiding spicy, acidic, hot, and sharp textured foods, antifungls, antibiotics, antivirals or ani-inflammatory agents, may improve eating, but see your doctor before self diagnosing.

As far as the toothbrush Satyanarayana asked about, some use soft baby toothbrushes, and theese brushes too can be cut down, use q-tips instead of a tooth brush, there are sponge brushes on sticks, usually yellow or green, that can be used, cut if needed, cotton gauze on fingers, and also the WaterPik on low setting can be used to cleanse the mouth, salt/baking soda, or saline solution added to resevior to rinse, but I returned mine, so maybe someone else has more experience how to use, and heard of a tongue scraper attachment, I think.

Good luck.


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs