Objective: To evaluate the oncologic efficacy, surgical safety, postoperative beauty, and morbidity of an ideal procedure of modified radical surgery in tongue cancer at early stages.
Methods: Six patients with early stage squamous cell carcinoma of tongue underwent a procedure of modified radical surgery, in which an inconspicuous incision was used, the external jugular vein, sternocleidomastoid muscle, spino-accessory nerve, and greater auricular nerve were preserved, half of glosso and mouth floor were excised, and the defect was repaired instantly. Recurrence of glosso, mouth floor and neck, regional edema, shoulder dysfunction, auricle sensibility, oral cavity function and beautiful outlook on the face and neck were evaluated clinically.
Results: Compared with classic radical neck dissection, this procedure of modified radical surgery showed an inconspicuous incision and pretty appearance, minor edema on face and neck, better shoulder function, and sensation of auricular skin. No recurred to the glosso, mouth floor, and neck was found during follow-up. The patients showed better oncological safety, pretty appearance of tongue, and better oral function of speech, swallow and mastication.
Conclusion: This ideal procedure of modified radical surgery in tongue cancer at early stages lessens or avoids destruction of face and neck, shoulder malfunction, numbness of auricular skin, and oral dysfunction of speech, swallow and mastication without impairment on the oncologic safety of the radical surgery, and improves the quality of life of the patients.