Tongue Proactive Strengthening Exercise Program Following Partial/Hemi Glossectomy and Reconstruction

This study is looking at a tongue-strengthening exercise program for people who are about to have surgery to remove part of their tongue (partial or hemi-glossectomy) due to oral cancer. The goal is to see if doing these exercises before and after surgery can help preserve swallowing and speech function. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 years or older - You have no prior history of head and neck cancer or radiation - You are planning to have surgery to remove up to 50% of your tongue, with immediate reconstruction (including free flap) - You can read English, French, Spanish, or Simplified Chinese **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have distant (spread) cancer at the time of enrollment - You have previously been treated by a speech therapist for swallowing or speech problems unrelated to this cancer - You have had prior radiation to the head and neck - Your surgery requires removal of more than 50% of the tongue or removal of part of the jaw Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.