Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Fabrication of Tongue Extracellular Matrix and Reconstitution of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro
Published on: June 20, 2018
Free flap reconstruction for early stage tongue squamous cell carcinoma: surgical margin and recurrence
Chien-Chi Lu1, Yung-An Tsou1, Chun-Hung Hua1
1a Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan.
Background:
To identify the difference of surgical margin and recurrence status of early stage tongue carcinoma via wide excision in a single institution with and without free flap reconstruction.
Objective:
Survey whether the reconstruction methods for early tongue cancer affects disease control, survival outcomes.
Methods:
This was a retrospective study and patients with early tongue cancer underwent surgery via tumor ablation with (group 1 = 56) or without free flap reconstruction (group 2 = 291).
Results:
The percentage of patients with free margin less than 5 mm was higher in the group 2 than in group 1 (49.48% vs. 19.64%, p < .001), as the mean free margin was significantly larger in group 1 than in group 2 (7.88 mm vs. 5.68 mm; p < .001). Despite higher number of T2 stage patients in group 1 (89.29%), the group 1 resulted in a significant lower recurrence rate (p = .024).
Conclusions:
The utilization of free flap reconstruction for early stage tongue cancer achieved a large pathologic free margin and had relative lower recurrence and good survival rates.
Related Concept Videos
Tongue
Anatomical Position in the Oral Cavity
The tongue is located within the oral cavity, also known as the mouth. It is attached to the floor of the mouth by a fold of mucous membrane called the...
Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon
The Tongue and Taste Buds
Margin of Error
Stages of Infection
Stages of General Anesthesia

