Reconstruction of Tongue Defects Following Resection for Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Tongue cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the tongue, and can cause lesions or tumors on tongue. It’s a type of head and neck cancer. Tongue cancer can occur on the front of the tongue, which is called oral tongue cancer or it may occur at the base of the tongue, near where it attaches to the bottom of the mouth. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of tongue cancer. Reconstruction following resection of malignant tongue tumors remains one of the most difficult problems in head and neck oncology. There has also been a trend toward restoring innervation to these flaps rather than leaving them insensate. Aim: The aim of the study is to analyze the reconstruction options following resection of malignant tongue tumors, with different types of skin flaps and its success rate. Materials and methods: The study was held in Saveetha dental college, where the reconstruction of tongue malignancy of 15 patient’s records were analyzed. Result was analyzed using SPSS software. The data was collected and analyzed statically. Results: Among 15 patients, almost 40% represents posterior dorsal area of tongue reconstruction, 27% represents reconstruction of anterior dorsal area of tongue, 20% represents transverse area of tongue reconstruction, 7% represents tongue tip reconstruction and ventral part of tongue reconstruction. Conclusion: Tongue cancer resection and subsequent reconstruction favor an interesting challenge to the surgeon to maximize postoperative function and quality of life. Reconstruction with free flaps is a feasible method to restore the functional outcomes. Attention to the principles of tongue reconstruction and knowledge of the range of available reconstructive options can result in more favorable functional outcomes.