The form and function of the speech organ and speech function after glossectomy were studied in 13 cases that received glossectomies because of the squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Their speech functions were discussed from the point of speech rehabilitation and the following results were obtained:
1. The grade of articulation disorders in the group of total glossectomy (group A) was poor on palatals and velars. The age, dentition and reconstruction of the mouth strongly showed some relationship with the speech function.
2. Articulation disorders in the group of patial glossectomy (group B, C and D) had shown results parallel to those evaluated on speech organs. The speech function was good in the patients observed over three years after glossectomy.
3. The speech function in the groud of marginal glossectomy (group E) was good hardly associated with the age, dentition and period after the operation.
4. The type of articulation disorders mainly showed distortion, but one case in groups A, B, C and D showed velar sound substitution. Therefore, it was suggested that compensation of velars articulation was difficult in glossectomy cases.
5. Chief complaints after glossectomy mainly consisted of mastication and swallowing by group A and speech disorders by group B-E.
