About this trial
This study is being done to determine whether adding a proactive tongue strengthening exercise program using a biofeedback device (the Tongueometer) improves speech and swallowing outcomes after surgery for tongue cancer. Patients who undergo partial or hemiglossectomy often experience difficulties with speech and swallowing, which can significantly impact their quality of life. While speech and swallow therapy is typically provided in response to problems, this study investigates whether introducing structured tongue strengthening exercises with biofeedback early-can lead to better long-term outcomes. This research will help establish whether this approach should become part of standard post-operative care.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
≥18 years of age
No prior history of head and neck cancer
No prior history of radiation
Planned to undergo resection of ≤50% of the native tongue (partial/hemiglossectomy) with immediate reconstruction, including free flap reconstruction, and with or without neck dissection
Disqualifiers
Distant metastasis at enrollment
Previously seen and treated by speech and language pathologist for dysphagia or dysarthria for non-head and neck cancer causes
Prior head and neck radiation
Requires mandibulectomy or >50% resection of native tongue
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Tongueometer
Treatment groups
Locations
1Sponsors and collaborators
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lead sponsor