Long-term functional outcomes and quality of life after partial glossectomy for T2 squamous cell carcinomas

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Long-term functional outcomes and quality of life after partial glossectomy for T2 squamous cell carcinomas Via Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Jul 30:S1808-8694(21)00132-4. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2021.06.009. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Partial glossectomy and reconstruction strategy for malignant tongue tumors influences speech and swallowing. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate long-term functional outcomes after partial glossectomy for pT2 mobile tongue carcinomas with a maximum dimension between 2 and 3 cm. Different reconstruction strategies (with or without pedicled flap) were compared. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with at least 12 months followup were included. Clinician-based and self-reported instruments were used to analyze tongue motility, speech intelligibility and articulation, swallowing, and quality of life. RESULTS: Patients with a higher tongue motility had better articulation and lower dysphagia. Avoiding pedicled flap reconstruction seemed to guarantee lower impairmen t of speech and swallowing. Worse functional outcomes induced a lower quality of life. CONCLUSION: Partial glossectomy results in tongue motility impairment and consequently alterations of oral functions. Since the type of reconstruction impacts long-term outcomes, it should be adequately planned before surgery. PMID:34407916 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjorl.2021.06.009 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.