Aesthetic and functional radical surgery in young patients with stage one or two tongue cancer: A preliminary report

Introduction: The effect of an initial radical cure and the post-operative quality of life in young patients with stage one or two tongue cancer seems to be more important than in old patients. The aim of this study was to achieve both optimal surgical effectiveness and improved post-operative quality of life for young patients with stage one or two tongue cancer. Materials and methods: 7 patients under 40 years of age with T(1)-T(2)N(0)M(0) squamous cell carcinoma of tongue underwent aesthetic and functional radical surgery in which reconstruction of the defect in the oral cavity and conservation of the main functional organs in neck with good scar aesthetics in the face and neck were performed. The outcomes were assessed clinically. Results: No tumour recurrence was found in the tongue, floor of mouth or neck at the end of follow-up (at least 37 months). The appearance of the tongue and oral function was retained; function in face, neck and shoulder was maintained; a satisfactory cosmetic appearance of the face and neck was achieved. Conclusions: Aesthetic and functional radical surgery could ensure radical cure and unchanged, or improved post-operative, quality of life in young patients with stage one or two tongue cancer. (C) 2010 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.