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. 2019 Mar;41(3):821-827.
doi: 10.1002/hed.25466. Epub 2019 Jan 2.

Classification of GLOSSECTOMIES: Proposal for tongue cancer resections

Mohssen Ansarin  1 , Roberto Bruschini  1 , Valeria Navach  2 , Gioacchino Giugliano  1 , Luca Calabrese  3 , Fausto Chiesa  1 , Jesus E Medina  4 , Luiz P Kowalski  5 , Jatin P Shah  6
Affiliations

Classification of GLOSSECTOMIES: Proposal for tongue cancer resections

Mohssen Ansarin et al. Head Neck. 2019 Mar.

Abstract

Background: Surgery of tongue tumors includes different procedures ranging from mucosal resection to complex combined resection. Numerous terms have been used to describe such procedures, but there is no consensus between the terminology and the extent of resection.

Methods and results: We searched the medical literature and found a lack of published information. We undertook to describe a new classification of surgical procedures for tongue tumor resection. We based it upon the surgical anatomy of the tongue and the spread of the cancer. We posited that there were five major types of glossectomy embracing all the methods of tongue cancer resection. This classification was reviewed and endorsed by an international team of experts.

Conclusion: We propose a more precise classification than that currently in practice, thereby bringing clarity and consistency to the terminology, facilitating shared communication between surgeons, comparison between published research, and ultimately improving surgical practice and patient care.

Keywords: TNM; classification; glossectomy; tongue cancer; tongue surgery.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Tongue anatomy [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 2
Figure 2
Type I glossectomy [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 3
Figure 3
Type II glossectomy [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 4
Figure 4
A, type IIIa glossectomy (hemiglossectomy). B, type IIIb glossectomy (compartmental hemiglossectomy) [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 5
Figure 5
A, type IVa glossectomy (subtotal glossectomy). B, type IVb (near total glossectomy) [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 6
Figure 6
Type V glossectomy (total glossectomy) [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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