Medical Research: Emerging Concepts and Applications Vol. 4

Lingual lymphedema is an uncommon but functionally significant complication that may occur after treatment for head and neck cancer. The tongue plays an essential role in oral intake, speech, posture, breathing comfort, and sleep; therefore, persistent tongue swelling can substantially affect daily functioning and quality of life. This case report describes the clinical assessment, conservative rehabilitation, and 9-month outcomes of a 58-year-old male who developed post-treatment tongue lymphedema after surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the lower alveolus. The patient presented with severe tongue swelling and protrusion, restricted tongue mobility, cervical fibrosis, difficulty with speech, impaired oral intake, and disturbed sleep. Rehabilitation was based on Complete Decongestive Therapy principles, including manual lymphatic drainage, intraoral drainage techniques, gentle pressure strategies, positioning, tongue mobility exercises, oral hygiene measures, breathing exercises, and jaw mobilisation. Outcomes were monitored using circumferential measurement, photographic comparison, functional observations, and patient-reported measures. Over 9 months, tongue circumference decreased from 12.5 cm to 9.5 cm, tongue protrusion decreased from 4.5 cm to 2.3 cm, the ability to lie supine improved from 0.2 hours to 5–6 hours, and speech clarity improved from 2 to 3.5 on a 5-point scale. Improvements were also observed in global health status, sleep, and social functioning. The case highlights the potential value of early, structured and patient-centred rehabilitation in managing lingual lymphedema.