Influence of tongue perception alterations on oral and maxillofacial functions of patients with malignant/premalignant tongue tumors

This study evaluated the association between pre‐ and postoperative changes in tongue perception and oral and maxillofacial functions in patients with tongue tumors.A total of 19 patients with malignant/premalignant tongue tumors were included in this study. Patients were classified into two groups: the closure group, which included patients who underwent partial tongue resection and primary suture, and the flap group, which included patients who underwent less than hemiglossectomy and reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap. Tongue perception was assessed using an electrical stimulator. Perceptual thresholds for the apex, margin, and dorsum of the tongue on the nontumor and tumor sides were evaluated. Tongue movement, tongue pressure, water drinking test, gummy jelly chewing strength, and bite strength were evaluated for oral and maxillofacial function. Each parameter was examined pre‐ and postoperatively (1, 3, 6, and 12 months).Patients with large tongue cancer had decreased bilateral tongue perception before surgery. In the flap group, postoperative perception of the tongue on the nontumor side and chewing and bite strengths tended to improve over time compared with preoperative perception and chewing and bite strengths.In the flap group, changes in tongue perception on the nontumor side may influence chewing function.