Abstract
Between 1971 and 1995, 96 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were treated at our department. This study compared recently treated patients with formerly treated patients. The patients were classified into group A (1971-1984) and group B (1985-1995). We studied the primary therapy used and the outcome of treatment.
Early stage carcinomas (Stage I and II) have increased recently. As for treatment, surgery has increased for both early and advanced carcinomas (Stage III and IV). Local control rates at 2 years were 68.5% in group A and 63.4% in group B. Five-year absolute survival rates were 73.3% and 82.4%, respectively. Patients in group B with advanced disease had a slightly poorer outcome of treatment.
Recently, in our department we usually perform surgery in patients with advance cancer. However, the outcome of treatment is poorer than formerly. This point requires further examination.
