Outcomes of squamous cell cancer of the oral tongue managed at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes and treatment in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral tongue, as well as validate previously reported predictors of survival. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 259 patients treated with curative intent between 1994 and 2004. Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank test, and Cox regression models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Two hundred fifty-nine patients were managed with surgery; 67 patients (25%) received adjuvant radiotherapy. Mean follow-up was 60 months. The 5-year local and regional control rates were 78% and 69.4%, respectively. The 5-year overall, disease-specific, and recurrence-free survival rates were 69%, 70.9%, and 53%, respectively. The only significant predictor of both overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) on multivariable analysis was pathologic N classification. CONCLUSION Treatment of early tongue SCC effectively achieves local control and DFS. Nodal disease remains to be 1 of the most important prognostic factors in terms of recurrence and survival.