Abstract:

Objective   To make a retrospective analysis on 37 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue, and to explore the surgery operation of squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue, the applied extent of different approaches and functional reconstruction. Methods   From March 1994 to March 2006, a retrospective analysis was performed on 37 cases of tongue root carcinoma in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University.  Results   Neck dissection was performed on 37 cases with a metastasis rate of 64.9％(24/37). 59.5％(22/37)was operated by the latero-pharynx approach. The sternohyoideus fascia muscularis flap and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap were used for functional reconstruction. Post-operative complications occurred in 8 patients. All patients′ swallow function was successfully recovered after postoperative training, and all patients′ linguistic function was successfully recovered expect for 4 cases of trachea cannula. The 3-year and 5-year survival rate was 62.2％(23/37) and 51.4％(19/37) respectively.  Conclusion   Pre-operative examination and the exact assessment of the tumor extent is important, the exact surgical approaches and repair methods can be used to totally remove the tumor, successfully reconstruct the function, and efficiently improve the life quality.

Key words: Base of tongue； Carcinoma， squamous cell； Surgical procedures， operative