抄録
This study reviewed our experience in the surgical treatment and reconstruction methods following tumor ablation for tongue cancer, and evaluated 212 cases （average: 57 yrs, range from 21-87 yrs） for 17 years from 1984 to 2002.
The 5-year cumulative survival rate was 83 % （Stage I: 96 %, II: 91 %, III: 85 %, IV: 67 %）, and flaps survived completely in 93.5 % （43/46 cases） in radial forearm free flap （RFFF）, 90.2% （46/51 cases） in rectus abdominis free flap （RAFF）, and 97.6% （40/41 cases） in pectoralis major myocutaneous flap （PMMC）.
The reconstruction methods were as follows:
1. Partial glossectomy; Simple suturing.
2. Hemiglossectomy limited to mobile tongue: RFFF was the first choice, and PMMC was selected in order to reduce the risk for severely medically compromised patients.
3. Subtotal, total glossectomy: RAFF was the first choice, and PMMC was also selected for severely medically compromised patients.
4. Regardless of which flap was selected, it was very important for postoperative oral function to select a flap larger than the size of the defect by glossectomy.
Conclusion: For better postoperative recovery, minimally invasive surgery is mostly recommendable. To guarantee successful tumor ablation followed by effective reconstruction, exact diagnosis by means of FDG-PET and PET-CT would be the key.
