Total glossectomy: is it justified?

Background: The treatment of advanced malignancies of the tongue with total glossectomy is controversial.

Methods: The present study retrospectively reviews 20 patients that had total glossectomy with or without laryngectomy performed at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia) over the past 10 years. The clinicopathologic parameters, perioperative morbidity and mortality were assessed.

Results: The 5 years disease free and disease specific survival rates were 34% and 38%, respectively. Ninety per cent of patients acquired independent oral feeding prior to discharge, while 57% of patients that had laryngeal preservation performed achieved satisfactory vocal rehabilitation.

Conclusion: Total glossectomy is an oncologically sound surgical procedure that should only be performed in carefully selected patients with advanced malignancies affecting the tongue.