title: Oncologic and functional results after transoral laser microsurgery of tongue base carcinoma.
abstract: The objective of the study was to determine the oncological and functional results in patients after excision of tongue base carcinoma by transoral laser microsurgery. A retrospective unicenter study performed between 1986 and 2007. 82 patients with previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue base (T1-4, N0-2, M0) underwent transoral laser surgery with curative intent. Stage distribution was as follows: stage I, 1 case (1 %): stage II, 6 cases (7 %): stage III, 14 cases (17 %): stage IV 61 cases (75 %). Main outcome measures are local control rate, overall survival, recurrence-free survival, complications, and feeding tube dependence. The results were Kaplan-Meier 5-year local control rate for all patients was 84 %. T-stage-related local control rate after 5 years was 94 % for stage I-II, 78 % for stage III and 81 % for stage IV. 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival were 59 and 69 %, respectively. UICC stage-related overall survival and recurrence-free survival were 70 and 86 % for stage I-II, 44 and 54 % for stage III and 58 and 69 % for stage IV. Postoperative bleeding at the primary tumor site occurred in 9 patients (11 %). Gastrostomy tubes remained in place permanently in 5 patients (6 %). Primary transoral laser microsurgery of tongue base carcinoma offers convincing oncological and functional results comparable to other treatment modalities, e.g., radio(chemo)therapy but has lower rates of morbidity.
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Goettingen, Germany. martin.canis@med.uni-goettingen.de
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Canis
authors: Friedrich
authors: F
authors: Ihler
authors: Hendrik A
authors: HA
authors: Wolff
authors: Hans
authors: H
authors: Christiansen
authors: Christoph
authors: C
authors: Matthias
authors: Wolfgang
authors: W
authors: Steiner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D059186:Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome