What to expect with HPV+ tongue cancer surgery and lymph node removal?

I'll say a prayer for you

Thanks!

Surgery for tongue cancer with lymph node removal is a significant procedure, and it's completely natural to want to know what to expect during recovery. Many community members have shared that having a clear understanding of the healing process, potential side effects like changes in speech or swallowing, and the support team available can help with preparation and peace of mind. Consider discussing specific recovery expectations, pain management plans, and any rehabilitation services with the surgical team beforehand.

I had the same, beside my chin bone had to be removed to. I’m still recovering and I’m not sure how long it will be before I’m able to recover my speaking skills again. My lips still don’t meet so I’m having a problem with eating too, even drinking water is a problem as it runs out of my mouth.

Good luck with your recovery my friend. Please let me know how you are doing……

5 days post surgery now. Mass removed from back base of the tongue and all lymph nodes removed from both sides of neck. Rough surgery the mass on tongue was hard to get to so my tongue suffered quite a bit. But doesn't sound as rough as yours Jesus. Many prayers for your future recovery!

Thank you…I hope you have a good speedy recovery on your surgery. Just take it easy and one day at a time is all I can say. Don’t let stress get the best of you. You’re in my prayers my friend…..please take care of yourself. Hope to keep in contact with you. God bless and Happy New Year.

Same to you!

I hope the best recovery for you. It takes a long time to heal from these major surgeries. Take good care of yourself and reach out for whatever support you need. We're here to listen and share.

Just had my stitches removed from my neck yesterday but did not get the best news. Dr says that due to how the lesion was in a difficult area to reach on back of tongue that the post pathology report says that the marginal tissues around the excision site may still have the ability to turn so they are now scheduling me for Radiation. Not happy. Any pre and post Radiation tips appreciated. TIA

Hi Scott, I'm sorry for your crummy news. I had 33 radiation treatments.My advice is to stay calm. The best cream for the inevitable burns is Aquaphor. Use it generously, especially on your lips. Your mouth will be too sore to eat, and your team will likely suggest a feeding tube. Get it, because you must have good nutrition to heal. I know the tube sounds gross 🤢 but it will serve you well. Stay strong, Barbara

Ugh yeah was hoping I would not need a feeding tube. They did say since I had the surgery and they only want to target the back of my tongue that I would be getting the smaller doses but they did say my mouth would suffer again like it is now post surgery.

Hi Scott I've had the tube for 6 months this time.Swallowing can become difficult if not impossible. You have to continue sipping water throughout, or your throat muscles will stop working. And, you can always try eating as tolerated with the tube in place. ( I actually had to work with a speech therapist just to swallow again.) It's all so hard and exhausting. Rest a lot. Be kind to yourself, Barbara

Accept the g-tube Scott. Essential you get the nutrients needed to heal. I had one for 6 months. Probably saved me from further trauma.

Mine was on tonsils. Had surgery Sept 2025. Tonsils removed and right side lymph nodes removed. I had my 6 month scans and no cancer cells detected. After surgery I was feeling good after 3 weeks. Struggle to swallow for a month and lived on power protein drinks. I lost 20 pounds. Currently my swallowing is still not what it was but can eat everything again. Water helps Surgery in mouth still healing but no pain. Nerves affected by neck surgery still healing and get tingling here and there with occasional sharp tingle. My speech is going slowly. Having VPI issues but Dr says “be patient “. My Dr is honest and tells me it will never be the same. I do exercises with my tongue and read out loud sentences with lots of s, d, t and f’s. I don’t seem to be as patient and get frustrated/angry fast. Thought I share my story.

Yeah noticing lots of shoulder area pains sometimes they get severe. Can feel a muscle knot that hurts to even touch. They seem to roam from side to side. Any one else deal with that and have an suggestions when they are at the worst?

I have that in my left shoulder and haven't even started treatment yet, I think its stress and tension. Like a knot behind your deltoid muscle and it radiates to your chicken wing and neck.

Hello everyone, hope you’re all doing well. It’s been a month since my last treatment for radiation and I’m doing fine. My taste buds are coming back and I’m eating better now. I ate 2 slices of pizza, last night I ate stew meat with gravy and some Mexican beans with all kinds of spices and sausage cut in thin slices. I’ve eaten chicken. I’m pigging out is all that I can say. Yes, it’s hard to chew because I don’t have any teeth since my teeth were removed during surgery in October, but I’m eating everything that’s not nailed down. My only problem is that for the last week or week in a half my tongue has been like tingling or has felt a burning sensation as well as my bottom lip. I still have a thick saliva and have a hard time swallowing it down. What can I do for this?,if you have gone through this problem. I just feel like I’ve crossed several hurdles to just be pushed back a few hurdles. I know that I’m still healing because it still hasn’t been that long since surgery, only four months surgery to be exact. I’m still recovering from all that was done to me and I just get pretty annoyed with myself because it’s taking so long. My speech still lacks a lot to be desired and I can’t even drink without a straw. I feel hopeless and ashamed of eating in front of others, a grown man not able to eat without getting it all over my mouth and chin far worse than a toddler.

Wow, that is great Jesus that you’re getting taste buds back. I had 35 massive radiation treatments (20 minutes each) 6 months ago and my taste is still jacked up. I couldn’t eat pizza because the garlic tasted rancid to me. I refused to get a feeding tube and lived on very high calorie Boost drinks. I lost 70lbs and the chemo made me nauseated but I got through it. I’m 6 months cancer free now. Praying for all of you

Thank you Chris….hope you continue to do well and remain cancer free. I still have the g tube and regret having it, bothers me and sometimes feels like I’m going to pull it out when I’m asleep. I’m eating very good and have no issues so far. My next appointment is in March so maybe then I’ll get my scan and know if I’m cancer free. It’s like a wait and see thing I hate it.

Just received the results from a special blood test that the Radiation Oncologist ordered to see if HPV markers could be seen in my blood post surgery. The results came back negative. Supposed to start Radiation on Monday. Wondering if I need to still get the radiation, guess I will find out Monday.

I was just diagnosed with the same thing as you Scott. Back of tongue and lymph nodes on both sides of my neck. I see the oncologist on Friday. I still have to have a biopsy. The tumor is 4.9mm at it's largest point. How big was yours?

Jeff, we had exact diagnosis. Go on Amazon and buy the Very High Calorie Boost shakes. That’s all your going to be able to get down but they will save you

Jeff, I only had it in one lymph node which was 4.7mm when the pathologist examined it. My surgeon took all the nodes from both sides though since he says the tongue drains into both sides. My surgery was just over 1 week after my biopsy which did cause it to swell up quite a bit and was still swollen at the time of the surgery. Best wishes and prayers for your outcome.

So Radiation Oncologist says I still have to go through the Radiation so had my first treatment today.