Unfortunately, whether through trauma or cancer concerns, parts of the tongue may be removed. When a part of the tongue is removed, the principal concern patients have is whether speech and swallow will be affected. The answer to this question depends on 3 main factors. • What orientation is the tongue removed? • How much is removed? • Will nerve function be preserved? The nerve is what makes the tongue move (specifically cranial nerve 12 called the hypoglossal nerve) Regar…