Squamous-cell carcinoma of the tongue: preoperative interstitial radium and external irradiation. Part II: Survival.

Abstract

Cases (300) of squamous-cell carcinoma of the anterior 2/3 of the tongue treated from 1958 through 1972 were evaluated. Effects of treatment on absolute and relative survival were determined by the log rank method. Selection was non-random, based on the extent of the primary tumor, age and general condition. Surgery, irradiation or a combination of preoperative interstitial high-intensity Ra needles and resection gave similar results in patients with tumor smaller than 4 cm (T1T2NO). In patients with larger tumor (T3NO) or mobile, unilateral neck metastases (TXN1), irradiation plus surgery produced better survival than irradiation alone. Different radiation techniques are analyzed. Elective external irradiation to the neck is recommended in all cases, even if no enlarged lymph nodes can be palpated.