Improvement measures for complete excision of the malignant tongue tumour: retrospective factor analysis of 101 consecutive cases

Abstract

Background: Complete local excision of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the primary surgical aim in disease control. Method: A retrospective analysis was performed among those who underwent resection of tongue cancer between 1 September 2010 and 8 July 2015. Results: The population mean age is 63.9 (SD, 14.5) years, 53 were female. SCC was localised on the ventral aspect in 18 cases, 5 on the dorsum, 40 and 37 on the left and right lateral tongue. Postoperative staging were 54 T1, 30 T2, 8 T3 and 9 T4. Neck dissection was performed in 63 instances and found 9 N1, 12 N2b and 4 N2c with 38 N0 disease negative necks. Two investigated ordinal type primary outcome measures were used: closest radial and closest deep margin. Over 30 pre-, intra- or postoperative factors impact was analysed. Conclusion: At least four factors for each outcome measures were identified which can predict close not sufficient excision margins. Using the coefficient and confidence intervals to be provided correction of techniques is possible. Independently the publication would also suggest some baselines for certain measures as to avoid incomplete excisions. Control over the identified statistically significant predictors can eliminate incomplete excisions potentially. Incomplete or narrow margin excision of tongue tumour is still rare possible. Control over the margins however mostly possible for good outcomes this is a must criteria. All possible steps should be followed to prevent incomplete excisions.