MODULAR ANATOMIC APPROACH TO ORAL TONGUE CARCINOMA: FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES AND QUALITY OF LIFE RESULTS| ACTA Otorhinolaryngologica Italica

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to present the long-term functional swallowing outcomes of various surgical approaches to oral tongue/floor-of-mouth squamous cell carcinoma (OTFOMSCC) according to a modular and compartment-based concept described by Calabrese et al.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on patients undergoing surgery for OTFOMSCC in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the Hospital of Bolzano. The functional swallowing outcome was assessed through the administration of questionnaires on swallowing function and quality of life (QoL) at least 6 months postoperatively, stratifying the results according to the surgical technique used.

RESULTS

In TAGS (Transoral Anatomically Guided Surgery), all patients resumed oral feeding for all consistencies. In the CTS (Compartmental Tongue Surgery) group, only one patient faced challenges with pure liquids, yet all achieved the target of consuming a semisolid and semiliquid diet. EG (Extended Glossectomies) exhibited a noticeable decline in performance from Type A to Type C.

CONCLUSION

Following an anatomically-guided approach to the resection of OTFOMSCC allows for the modulation of surgery based on the structures involved by the tumour, achieving optimal oncological results, while preserving good QoL.