Effects of smoking cessation on taste function in heavy smokers undergoing hemiglossectomy for tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose: Smokers with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue may be particularly prone to experience multifactorial gustatory dysfunction. This study investigates the effects of heavy smoking on taste perception in patients undergoing glossectomy type IIIa (i.e. non-compartment hemiglossectomy) for SCC of the tongue.

Methods: Gustatory function was assessed in 30 heavy-smoking patients with SCC of the tongue using a validated taste strips test. Psychophysical evaluations were conducted at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-surgery.

Results: At baseline, mean taste strip scores (TSS [SD]) were significantly lower in patients compared to controls (8.7 [1.9] vs. 11.6 [2.1], P <.001). Post-treatment, TSS in patients declined to 7.2 [1.0] at 3 months, followed by a gradual recovery to 7.6 [2.3] at 6 months, 8.4 [2.8] at nine months, and 8.9 [3.9] at 12 months. Patients who quit smoking achieved significant recovery, with TSS improving from 7.4 [0.9] at three months to 11.8 [1.4] at twelve months, nearing control values. In contrast, smokers experienced a progressive decline, from 6.8 [1.2] at three months to 4.6 [1.6] at twelve months (P <.001). Adjuvant radiotherapy exacerbated short-term deficits (TSS of 6.6 [1.0] vs. 7.5 [0.9], P =.027 at three months) but showed no significant long-term impact.

Conclusion: Persistent smoking worsens taste perception and impedes recovery in patients undergoing glossectomy type IIIa for tongue SCC. Smoking cessation significantly enhances sensory restoration, underscoring its importance in post-treatment care.

Keywords: Gustatory dysfunction; Heavy smoking; Oral cavity; Smoking cessation; Squamous cell carcinoma; Surgery; Taste perception.

Fig. 1

Evolution of gustatory function in cancer-free controls and patients, according to smoking habits CI: Confidence interval; TSS: Taste Strip Score