Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, choking, inability to swallow saliva, severe dehydration with fainting or confusion, or uncontrolled bleeding.
These concerns can usually be discussed through routine or prompt outpatient contact unless they are severe or rapidly worsening.
Contact the care team promptly for a new neck lump, a persistent mouth or throat lesion, increasing pain, fever during active cancer treatment, or a sudden decline in eating and drinking.
Follow-up visits are important after treatment because tongue cancer can return, and people who have had one head and neck cancer may develop another.
Visits usually include questions about symptoms and an examination of the mouth, throat, and neck.
Imaging or other testing may be used when clinically appropriate.
Follow-up also addresses recovery.
Tell the care team about persistent pain, new mouth sores, a neck lump, weight loss, worsening swallowing, voice changes, dental problems, shoulder stiffness, or emotional distress.
And for anyone, someone who:
The article also says
People treated with neck radiation may need periodic thyroid blood tests because radiation can reduce thyroid function over time.
Ongoing dental care is especially important after radiation involving the mouth or jaw.
Before having a tooth removed from an irradiated area, ask the dentist and radiation team whether special planning is needed.
Rehabilitation may continue for months.
Speech and swallowing exercises are most useful when performed as directed.
Nutrition support, physical therapy, tobacco cessation services, and counseling can also remain helpful after cancer treatment ends.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Cancer of the tongue. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.