Free flap surgery (release surgery) after partial glossectomy

Posted by jeffvalvassori @jeffvalvassori, Aug 21, 2025

I had a partial glossectomy to remove squamous cell carcinoma from my tongue and then 30 radiation treatments almost 2 years ago. I’m talking with my surgeon about release surgery ( free flap ) and wondering if anyone can share their experience

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.

niml | @niml | Aug 22, 2025

What is release ( free flap) surgery? I had a partial glossectomy in May of 2024 and also 30 radiation treatments.Just wondering.

jeffvalvassori | @jeffvalvassori | Aug 22, 2025

They take muscle from your forearm to replace the scar tissue in your mouth and then take a graft from your leg to your forearm. Supposedly to help with speech and swallowing and being able to open your mouth wider

roblem | @roblem | Aug 22, 2025

Hi @jeffvalvassori,

I just posted this for a similar person- here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/modified-neck-dissection/

William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Aug 24, 2025

Hello @jeffvalvassori Thank you for bringing up this topic, which is little discussed and lesser known. There are many in the Head and Neck Cancer group who might benefit from your experience and information.

jeffvalvassori | @jeffvalvassori | Sep 26, 2025

Not sure where to ask or what group to check. I’m having issues with the dry mouth yet I find lately that sometimes when I’m speaking I have a problem drooling slightly from the left corner of my mouth and when sleeping it’s either side. It’s Extremely annoying and a bit embarrassing

zenren14 | @zenren14 | Oct 21, 2025

Hi Jeff
What helps me is Xylimelts and humidifier to alleviate dry mouth.
Zen

jeffvalvassori | @jeffvalvassori | Oct 21, 2025

In reply to @zenren14 "Hi Jeff What helps me is Xylimelts and humidifier to alleviate dry mouth. Zen" + (show)

@zenren14 thanks, I’ll give it a try

zenren14 | @zenren14 | Oct 22, 2025

In reply to @jeffvalvassori "@zenren14 thanks, I’ll give it a try" + (show)

@jeffvalvassori
hope it helps you.
let me know how you do.

sandy8043 | @sandy8043 | Nov 1, 2025

I had the flap surgery at the same time I had the surgery for my tongue cancer. They did the tongue reconstruction and neck dissection to remove several lymph nodes all at one time. The thigh patch and forearm took a few weeks to heal. It was one big event for me. All healed up fine. I'm 2 years out.