Surgical management of postradiation residual/recurrent cancer of the base of the tongue.

A study of 78 cases of base of the tongue cancer treated surgically for control of disease at the primary site is presented. Seventy-four of these cases were radiation failures, surgery being resorted to as a salvage procedure. The choice of the various surgical procedures is discussed and the cure rates analysed. Thirty-five cases required a total glossectomy, of which twenty-six did not have removal of the larynx. The teasibility of preserving the larynx at least in younger individuals and when good nursing care is available is stressed.