"OCF Down Under" Platinum Member (300+ posts) Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 404 Likes: 2 | Ammonsmg1
Depending how large the tongue flap is you could seek advice about having the flap de-bulked. I�ve had it done a few times. It�s not a huge procedure, but nevertheless it�s still surgery. Surgeons build the flap bigger because radiotherapy treatments aimed directly at the flap can shrink and shrivel the flap, especially with chemotherapy combined. Most plastic surgeons allow the mouth cavity to settle at least 12 months before considering further procedures, but de-bulking is not uncommon.
Good luck.
46 yrs: Apr 07-SCC 80% entire tongue removed,T4N1M0 Neck/D,Jaw Split, Trache 2 ops,PEG 3.5yrs 30 x rad,6 x Cisplatin, 30 x HBO Apr'08- flap Recon + ORN Mandibulectomy (hip bone to reconstruct jaw) Oct'08 1 Plate out-jaw Mar'09 Debulk flap Sep'09/Jan&Nov'10/Feb&Jun'11/Jan&Jul'12/Oct'13/April'14-More surgery
|