Functional outcomes and survival of patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer after total glossectomy

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx exhibits an aggressive behavior and its diagnosis is, in most cases, attained at advanced stages. Total glossectomy is a therapeutic option in locally advanced cancer, and the only choice in the presence of recurrent or residual disease after chemoradiotherapy. Objective: To evaluate the clinical-epidemiological profile, postoperative complications, survival rates and functional aspects of patients with oral cavity and oropharynx cancer after total glossectomy. Methods: This was a retrospective study that included 22 patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer after total glossectomy. Results: All patients were males, with a median age of 57 years. Most of tumors were located in the tongue and mouth floor and classified as stage IVa. Total glossectomy as the initial treatment was performed in 18 patients and as a salvage operation in four patients. The major pectoralis myocutaneous flap was used for reconstruction in all cases. The main postoperative complications were wound infections and salivary fistula. Conclusion: Overall survival was 19% and cancer-specific survival was 30.8% in 5 years. Eight patients were rehabilitated for exclusive oral feeding without the dependence on tracheostomy and enteral tube, all with an overall survival greater than 15 months. © 2019 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial