Radiation Deteriorates Functional Outcome after Glossectomy

Abstract

Objective: Quality of life could be deteriorated by surgical treatment of tongue cancer. Adjuvant therapy may also affect the functional outcome. Therefore, we intend to evaluate the influence of radiotherapy on the postoperative functional outcome after partial glossectomy with free flap reconstruction in early tongue cancer patients. Method: We measured the functional outcome and reviewed the charts of 31 oral tongue cancer patients. We evaluated speech integrity with Diadochokinetic test (DDK). Mobility of tongue was checked with measurement of upward, protrusion, and lateral deviation distance. We also evaluated swallowing capacity with the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory. Results: DDK rates of the surgery-only group and the postoperative radiotherapy group were 27.8 and 23.9, respectively, which was statistically different. Swallowing capacity was significantly superior in the surgery only group. Tongue mobility was not statistically different between the groups. Conclusion: The functional outcome regarding speech and swallowing is negatively influenced by postoperative radiotherapy.