Carcinoma of the base of the tongue. A review of 45 cases.

Abstract

The treatment results of 45 patients with carcinoma of the base of the tongue treated in the Rotterdam Radio-Therapeutic Institute in the period 1970 to 1980 are evaluated. Most patients were treated with split course radiotherapy, three patients were operated after the first course of radiotherapy. Eighteen patients with stage III and IV disease were treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Overall 5-year survival was 27%, intercurrent death corrected survival was 40%. Adequate staging is a problem in carcinoma of the base of the tongue, especially in T2 and T3 lesions. A systemic combined approach of radiotherapy and surgery is recommended.