OPTIMISING FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME IN SURGICAL RESECTION OF TONGUE BASE MALIGNANCIES USING LABIO-MANDIBULO-GLOSSOTOMY

AIM To highlight the advantages of median labiomandibulo glossotomy as a surgical approach for excision of tongue base malignancy. MATERIAL & METHODS It is a case review of 5 cases with tongue base malignant tumours treated in a tertiary care centre. There were 3 female and 2 male patients in the age group of 18-50 years. Histopathology included muco-epidermoid carcinoma in 3 cases, squamous cell carcinoma in1 case and clear cell sarcoma in 1 case. Pre-operative assessment included endoscopic examination and MRI. Surgical excision was done via medianlabio-mandibuloglossotomy. Outcome was assessed in terms of oncologic adequacy and the functional impact. RESULTS Disease free resection margin could be achieved in all the 5 cases. Near normal functional recovery could be achieved within 2 weeks. 2 cases required speech therapy for few months. None of the patients developed recurrence during the follow up period. CONLUSION In selected cases of base of tongue malignant tumours, this approach provides complete disease clearance without any significant functional and cosmetic impact. KEYWORDS Labio-mandibuloglossotomy, oropharyngeal carcinoma, base of tongue malignancy, Chemoradiotherapy.