Surgery for the Base of the Tongue Cancer in Conjunction with Supraglottic Partial Laryngectomy

Choi, Eun Chang; Kim, Moon Suk; Kim, Dong Young; Hong, Won Pyo

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cancer arising in the base of the tongue with extension to the supraglottic larynx or cancer of the epiglottis with extension to the base of the tongue require wider surgical approach than conventional supraglottic partial laryngectomy. This paper is to review techniques and postoperative results of mandibular swing approach for resection of the base of the tongue with supraglottic larynx.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We applied mandibular swing approach for three cases of the base of tongue cancer with significant extension to supraglottis. Two patients were stage T3 and the other was T4.
RESULTS
In two patients, oral feeding without aspiration was possible with 5X6, 4X5 cm sized base of the tongue resection. Reconstruction was performed using primary repair between resected margin of the tongue and thyroid cartilage. In one case, an unexpected wide submucosal tumor extension to the hypopharynx was found, so a total glossolaryngectomy had to be performed.
CONCLUSION
Resection of the base of the tongue beyond foramen cecum and primary repair may be possible without jeopardizing postoperative deglutition. Mandibular swing approach in conjunction with supraglottic partial laryngectomy was useful for the base of tongue cancer with supraglottic extension.