Tumor and Flap Reconstruction Volumes and Functional Outcomes after Glossectomy

How are tumor volume, resection defect size, and tongue volume restoration associated with speech and swallowing outcomes of glossectomy?In this cohort study of 357 patients with squamous cell carcinoma undergoing tongue resection, preoperative tumor fraction greater than 31% and resection volume fraction greater than 67% were associated with gastrostomy tube dependence. Restoration of tongue volume with free-flap reconstruction to baseline preoperative volume was associated with improved oral intake.These findings suggest that quantitative knowledge of functional outcomes from incremental changes in tongue resection may contribute to patient counseling and improved functional outcomes.

Corresponding Author: Fred M. Baik, MD, Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 900 Blake Wilbur Dr, Stanford, CA 94305 (fbaik@stanford.edu).

Link to the article in your story

We encourage you to link out to this article in your story using the link below. It includes an access token that will give free access to the article for your readers up to one year after publication. (The link will be live after the article publishes and embargo is lifted.)

Please see the article for additional information, including full author list, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

Need more information? Contact us.