title: Current philosophy on the management of cancer of the base of the tongue.
abstract: Cancer of the base of the tongue is a challenging disease for the head and neck surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist. However, over the last 10-15 years, improved treatment strategies have evolved which offer patients high probability of loco-regional control, survival, and good quality of life. The ability to offer patients good oncologic and functional outcomes serves as a paradigm for the successful application of multidisciplinary care, and the emphasis on quality of life in head and neck cancer treatment. This review provides an overview of the treatment options that exist, their advantages and disadvantages, and hopefully provides proper guidelines for the current management of this challenging disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Medical Center and St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Louis B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: Alfio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ferlito
authors.forename: Ashok R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Shaha
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.forename: Eric M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Genden
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rinaldo
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome