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Few surgical complications after 5,000 to 6,500 cGy pre-operative irradiation for carcinoma of the tongue

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

H. Joensuu ,
R. Grenman ,
J. Suonpää ,
K. Aitasalo ,
H. Puhakka  and
E. Nordman
H. Joensuu*
Affiliation:
Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Turku University Central Hospital, SF-20520 Turku, Finland.
R. Grenman
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Turku University Central Hospital.
J. Suonpää
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Turku University Central Hospital.
K. Aitasalo
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Turku University Central Hospital.
H. Puhakka
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Turku University Central Hospital.
E. Nordman
Affiliation:
Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Turku University Central Hospital, SF-20520 Turku, Finland.
*
Dr Heikki Joensuu, Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Turku University Central Hospital, SF-20520 Turku, Finland. FAX 358-21-611 164
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Abstract

Twenty-four patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were treated with 5,000 cGy to 6,500 cGy pre-operative irradiation. Surgery usually consisted of resection of the tongue, possibly the floor of mouth, and modified or radical neck dissection. Musculocutaneous flaps for reconstruction were used in three cases and a forearm flap in one case. Despite the high radiation dose, no major difficulties were encountered at surgery or during the convalescence period, except for one osteoradionecrosis of the mandible, which was successfully treated by microvascular osteomyocutaneous grafting. Residual carcinoma was seen on histological examination of the excised tissue in 9 out of 18 (50 percent) patients who received ≥6,000 cGy, and in 4 out of 6 (67 percent) patients who received about 5,000 cGy tumour dose. The 2-year crude survival rate was 65 percent. The data suggest that high dose pre-operative irradiation is feasible and does not compromise surgical treatment.

Keywords

Neoplasm of the tongueRadiotherapycomplications

Information

Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 106 , Issue 8 , August 1992 , pp. 712 - 714
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1992

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