Total glossectomy: is it justified?
BACKGROUND
The treatment of advanced malignancies of the tongue with total glossectomy is controversial.


METHODS
The present study retrospectively reviews 20 patients that had total glossectomy with or without laryngectomy performed at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia) over the past 10 years. The clinicopathologic parameters, perioperative morbidity and mortality were assessed.


RESULTS
The 5 years disease free and disease specific survival rates were 34% and 38%, respectively. Ninety per cent of patients acquired independent oral feeding prior to discharge, while 57% of patients that had laryngeal preservation performed achieved satisfactory vocal rehabilitation.


CONCLUSIONS
Total glossectomy is an oncologically sound surgical procedure that should only be performed in carefully selected patients with advanced malignancies affecting the tongue.
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
Ronaldo
R
Bova
Ian
I
Cheung
William
W
Coman
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005927:Glossectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome