The efficacy of tongue resection in treatment of symptomatic macroglossia in the child.

Nine patients with symptomatic macroglossia, 3 with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, 3 with Down's syndrome, and 3 with lymphatic malformation of the tongue, were evaluated for postoperative improvement following partial glossectomy. Symptoms evaluated were speech intelligibility, oral competence at rest, drooling, and normal deglutition. All patients with Down's syndrome and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome were improved postoperatively. All patients with Down's syndrome exhibited improved deglutition and reduced drooling. Only 1 patient (33%), however, achieved oral competence. Speech was improved postoperatively in 2 patients (67%) with Down's syndrome. Patients with lymphatic malformation of the tongue did not exhibit consistent long-term improvement postoperatively, suggesting that conservative management of macroglossia in this patient group may be indicated.