Max Riemann1, Christian Knipfer1, Maximilian Rohde1, Werner Adler2, Maria Schuster3, Elmar Noeth4, Nico Oetter1, Nima Shams1, Friedrich-Wilhelm Neukam1, Florian Stelzle1. 1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany. 2. Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany. 3. Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany. 4. Department of Computer Science, Chair of Pattern Recognition, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prospective speech intelligibility assessments lack objectivity in patients undergoing surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) of the tongue. METHODS: Speech intelligibility was measured based on word recognition by means of an automatic and objective speech recognition system preoperatively, and 14 to 20 days, and 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. The study comprised 25 patients with OSCC of the tongue and a healthy control group (n = 40). RESULTS: Patients yielded significant speech impairments compared to the healthy control group both before surgery and after 12 months (p ≤ .002). The speech intelligibility of the patients decreased significantly 14 to 20 days after surgery (p < .001) but realigned to preoperative values after 12 months (p = .159). Preservation of the tip of the tongue resulted in significantly higher word recognition after 12 months (p = .007; Δword recognition = 16.29). CONCLUSION: Having OSSC of the tongue results in a significant impairment of speech intelligibility. The preservation of the tip of the tongue seems to be a central factor concerning the recovery of speech.
BACKGROUND: Prospective speech intelligibility assessments lack objectivity in patients undergoing surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) of the tongue. METHODS: Speech intelligibility was measured based on word recognition by means of an automatic and objective speech recognition system preoperatively, and 14 to 20 days, and 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. The study comprised 25 patients with OSCC of the tongue and a healthy control group (n = 40). RESULTS:Patients yielded significant speech impairments compared to the healthy control group both before surgery and after 12 months (p ≤ .002). The speech intelligibility of the patients decreased significantly 14 to 20 days after surgery (p < .001) but realigned to preoperative values after 12 months (p = .159). Preservation of the tip of the tongue resulted in significantly higher word recognition after 12 months (p = .007; Δword recognition = 16.29). CONCLUSION: Having OSSC of the tongue results in a significant impairment of speech intelligibility. The preservation of the tip of the tongue seems to be a central factor concerning the recovery of speech.
Authors: Yun Li; Zhenyan Zhao; Xiaoxiao Liu; Jun Ju; Juan Chai; Qianwei Ni; Chao Ma; Tao Gao; Moyi Sun Journal: Cancer Med Date: 2017-04-14 Impact factor: 4.452