Tongue prosthesis after total glossectomy: a case report

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Prosthodontics
• Speech Therapy

Background:

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a prevalent cancer, particularly in older men.
• Surgical treatment for oral SCC often leads to significant functional deficits and reduced quality of life.

Observation:

• A 56-year-old male patient underwent total glossectomy for oral SCC, resulting in severe speech and swallowing impairments.
• A custom-fabricated tongue prosthesis, retained by orthodontic clasps, was designed to address these functional deficits.

Findings:

• The prosthetic treatment involved detailed planning, impressioning, and fabrication of an acrylic resin prosthesis with specialized tongue models for speech and deglutition.
• Post-prosthesis placement, the patient demonstrated improved chewing, swallowing, and speech production capabilities.

Implications:

• This case highlights the efficacy of prosthetic rehabilitation in restoring function and improving quality of life for patients following glossectomy due to oral SCC.
• The successful reintegration and patient satisfaction underscore the importance of interdisciplinary care involving prosthodontists and speech therapists.