Related Experiment Videos
Survival, function, and quality of life after total glossectomy
C M Ruhl1, L L Gleich, J L Gluckman
1Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio 45267-0528, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|October 23, 1997
Summary
Total glossectomy for advanced tongue cancer offers meaningful survival rates. Despite functional deficits, patients achieve an adequate quality of life (QOL) post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Advanced tongue cancer presents significant survival challenges despite aggressive treatments.
- Total glossectomy, a radical surgical procedure, is employed for curative intent but severely impacts patient function and quality of life (QOL).
- Understanding the long-term outcomes of this procedure is crucial for patient management and counseling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the survival rates of patients undergoing total glossectomy for advanced tongue cancer.
- To assess the functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL) in patients after total glossectomy.
- To determine if meaningful survival and adequate QOL can be achieved in selected patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 54 patients who underwent total glossectomy (with or without total laryngectomy) for advanced tongue cancer between 1970 and 1996.
- Survival was assessed using corrected actuarial survival rates.
- Functional status was evaluated using the Performance Status Scale (PSS); QOL was measured using FACT-G, EORTC QLQ-C30, and head and neck-specific questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Corrected actuarial survival rates were 51% at 3 years and 41% at 5 years post-surgery.
- Performance Status Scale (PSS) assessments revealed significant deficits in speech and swallowing (deglutition).
- Quality of life (QOL) questionnaires indicated challenges with eating, speaking, socializing, and shoulder function, yet patients reported overall adjustment and good QOL.
Conclusions:
- Total glossectomy, even when combined with total laryngectomy, can lead to meaningful long-term survival for advanced tongue cancer patients.
- Selected patients can achieve an adequate quality of life (QOL) despite the functional impairments resulting from the surgery.
- The findings support total glossectomy as a viable option for selected patients with advanced tongue cancer, balancing survival and QOL.