Squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue: results of treatment in 115 cases

Abstract

Between 1976 and 1986, we treated 115 patients (mean age 53.8 years) with base of tongue carcinomas. The staging system used was the UICC TNM classification of 1979. Seventy per cent of the tumours were T3 or T4 and 42% had N2 or N3 lymph node. Locoregional treatment was irradiation alone (98/115) or surgery and post-operative radiotherapy (17/115). Sixty-seven patients received induction chemotherapy. Actuarial survival of the entire group at 3 and 5 years was 25 and 23%, respectively, and 3-year actuarial survival rates for T1, T2, T3 and T4 lesions were 42, 48, 20 and 17%, respectively. The local control rate at the primary site was 55% and 78% in the neck. Distant metastases occurred in 10% of patients and 8% had a second primary. Nodal status was the only other prognostic factor. The local control rate obtained with irradiation alone was not good. For limited T1 and T2 tumours, interstitial therapy or surgery should improve the local control rate.