An evaluation of neck dissection in carcinoma of the tongue

Forty-six neck dissection cases were performed out of 117 cases of tongue cancer occurring from 1973-1981 at the Gunma Cancer Center. Among the 47 cases, 27 were initially treated surgically. In 14 cases radium therapy was used for the primary lesion and was followed by neck dissection. In another 13 cases hemiglossectomy and neck dissection were performed together. In addition, in 19 cases neck dissection was performed as secondary treatment for metastatic nodes or for recurrence of the primary lesion following radium therapy. In the cases of neck dissection performed as initial treatment along with hemiglossectomy, 84.6% had a two-year survival rate. Neck dissection performed as a secondary treatment resulted in a 46.7% survival rate over 3 years. It is evident from these figures that neck dissection performed as initial treatment results in better prognosis for the patients. In cases where metastatic nodes are present or suspected, neck dissection and hemiglossectomy should be undertaken.