I am a 46 year old female, diagnosed with tongue cancer. I had a partial glossectomy and selective neck dissection on July 21st. The doctors said I should be better in 2-3 weeks however my tongue is not healed yet. How long does it take for it to heal? Also did anyone else have numbness? How long for this to get better?

Hi Ariel,
Healing depends on the individual. What may take someone 3 weeks may take someone else 6 weeks. In what way isn't it healing? Is it still swollen? Have the stitches not disappeared? Is it sore? What does your Doctor say? For several months after my total glossectomy, every medical profession that looked into my mouth said "That's healing nicely". Being better and totally healed are very different.

As for the numbness, yep, a year on after my surgery I'm still numb on one ear, part of my neck, part of my chin, the middle of my bottom lip and several other places. It takes a long time for the nerves to heal, or they might never recover. Again it all depends on each individual person as there are so many unseen factors involved that we just can't control.

Oral cancer teaches you a lot about patience.

Hi Ariel,

The tongue takes a long time to heal. I had half of my tongue removed and reconstructed on 4/1/20 as well as lymph nodes removed. I had the exact same concerns even though the doctors said it looked great every visit. It seemed to be swollen for months. I learned to judge improvement over weeks not days. One day it might actually swell more than the previous due to what I ate or drank or exercise or who knows.

It may help to take pictures of it about every 2-3 days or so. Compare them, you will probably be surprised. Plus, they help to show the doctors and nurses what you are talking about.