Functional outcomes after treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue

Abstract

Objective: To compare functional outcome and quality of life after various treatments for squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue.

Design: Retrospective survey using statistical comparison.

Setting: Academic medical center, institutional practice.

Participants: Patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue between 1976 and 2000. Living patients 3 or more months after treatment were eligible. Questionnaire packets including validated site-specific quality-of-life instruments were mailed to 105 qualifying patients. Sixty-one patients participated, forming a volunteer sample. Patient responses were grouped according to treatment modality, operative vs nonoperative.

Main outcome measures: The planned outcome was that nonoperative therapy would result in better function than operative treatment.

Results: Most comparisons indicated no statistical difference in outcome between operative and nonoperative groups. Significant differences (95% confidence interval) were calculated for age, interval since treatment, and T stage. Group comparisons of patient responses revealed significant differences only in xerostomia and days hospitalized.

Conclusions: The tongue remains dysfunctional after both surgical and nonoperative treatment. Nonoperative treatment might more adversely affect saliva. Surgery is associated with a longer hospital stay.