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Total glossectomy: is it justified?
Ronaldo Bova1, Ian Cheung, William Coman
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|March 5, 2004
Summary
Total glossectomy for advanced tongue cancer offers oncological soundness. This surgery achieved good oral feeding rates and satisfactory vocal rehabilitation in carefully selected patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Head and Neck Cancer
Background:
- Treatment of advanced tongue malignancies with total glossectomy remains controversial.
- Evaluating the role of total glossectomy in managing complex oral cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the oncological outcomes and functional results of total glossectomy.
- To determine the safety and efficacy of this procedure in selected patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 20 patients undergoing total glossectomy (with or without laryngectomy).
- Analysis of clinicopathologic parameters, perioperative morbidity, and mortality.
- Data collected from Princess Alexandra Hospital over a 10-year period.
Main Results:
- Five-year disease-free survival rate was 34%; disease-specific survival rate was 38%.
- 90% of patients achieved independent oral feeding before discharge.
- 57% of patients with laryngeal preservation had satisfactory vocal rehabilitation.
Conclusions:
- Total glossectomy is an oncologically viable procedure for advanced tongue cancer.
- Careful patient selection is crucial for successful outcomes.
- The surgery demonstrates potential for functional recovery, including feeding and speech.