Tongue reconstruction procedures for treatment of cancer

Cancer of the tongue is the second most common oral cavity malignancy seen in the general population. When otolaryngologists decide to treat patients surgically, perioperative nurses must institute special nursing interventions directed toward patients' tongue reconstruction procedures and rehabilitation. Surgical management of patients undergoing tongue reconstruction procedures requires extensive knowledge of the tongue's anatomy and both current and new physiology created by surgical reconstructive procedures. Equally important is the multidisciplinary care provided to patients during rehabilitation.