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Analysis of determinants on speech function after glossectomy
Jian Sun1, Yanqiu Weng, Jun Li
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 9th Affiliated Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. jianjian60@yahoo.com
Summary
Tumor site and size, not reconstruction type, significantly impact speech intelligibility after glossectomy. Anterior tongue tumors and larger tumor sizes (T3) result in lower speech clarity post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Speech Pathology
- Surgical Reconstruction
Background:
- Glossectomy for tongue cancer can impair speech intelligibility.
- Understanding factors influencing postoperative speech is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors affecting speech intelligibility after glossectomy.
- Investigate the influence of reconstruction type, tumor size, and excision site.
Main Methods:
- Speech intelligibility tests were administered to 27 tongue cancer patients.
- Patients were analyzed based on reconstruction method (forearm vs. adjacent flap), tumor size (T1-T3), and excision site (anterior, middle, posterior, hemi).
Main Results:
- Reconstruction type did not significantly affect speech intelligibility.
- Tumor size (T1 vs. T3) and tumor site (anterior/hemitongue vs. middle/posterior) significantly impacted speech intelligibility.
- Preservation of the tongue tip or floor of the mouth correlated with higher intelligibility.
Conclusions:
- Tumor site and size are significant predictors of postoperative speech intelligibility following glossectomy.
- Reconstruction method appears to be a less critical factor for speech outcomes in hemitongue glossectomy patients.
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