Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-tf8b9 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-26T18:50:55.523Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

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*
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

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.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1992

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Balogh, J. M., Sutherland, S. E. (1989) Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible: A review. Journal of Otolaryngology, 18: 245250.Google Scholar
Jose, B., Banis, J., Flynn, M., Lindberg, R., Spanos, W. J., Paris, K., Rohm, J. (1991) Irradiation and free tissue transfer in head and neck cancer. Head and Neck, 13: 213216.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lindelov, B., Kirkegaard, J., Hansen, H. S. (1990) Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. An unselected material from a fiveyear period. Acta Oncologica, 29: 10111015.Google Scholar
Peters, L. J. (1990) Inherent radiosensitivity of tumor and normal tissue cells as a predictor of human tumor response. Radiotherapy and Oncology, 17: 177190.Google Scholar
Simpson, J. R., Marks, J. E. (1987) Carcinoma of the base of the tongue. In: Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology (Perez, C. A., Brady, L. W., eds.) J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, p. 569579.Google Scholar
Terz, J. J., King, E. R., Lawrence, W. (1981) Preoperative irradiation for head and neck cancer: Results of a prospective study. Surgery, 89: 449453.Google Scholar
Wang, C. C. (1972) Management and prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsillar region. Radiology, 104: 667671.Google Scholar
Wang, C. C. (1975) Radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. Cancer, 36: 748751.Google Scholar
Wang, C. C. (1987) Cancer of the oral cavity: In: Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology (Perez, C. A., Brady, L. W., eds.), J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, p. 529545.Google Scholar