Analysis of Treatment Results for Base of Tongue Cancer

Abstract

Cancer of the base of tongue is a lethal disease, and its treatment results in significant disability. No treatment produced a significantly improved survival advantage. Focus on improving local-regional control might improve overall survival. All treatment modalities were associated with major treatment-related complications. Radiation alone produced significantly improved post-treatment function and quality of life compared with the other modalities. Because of the recurrence rates at the primary and neck sites and the high rates of development of distant metastasis and second primary cancers, patients should be monitored for a minimum of at least 4 years.