Head and neck related quality of life following glossectomy among tongue cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Objective: This study synthesized previous studies to evaluate the post-operative head and neck-related quality of life (QoL) and pre-post operative change in the QoL of tongue cancer patients who underwent glossectomy.

Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, databases were searched on April 1, 2025, for relevant articles without date limits. Mean estimates and standardized mean differences were calculated for post-glossectomy and pre-post glossectomy changes in QoL, respectively. A random-effects model employing the restricted maximum likelihood was conducted. Effect heterogeneity was assessed using Q and I².

Results: A total of 56 studies (2,832 participants; mean [SD] age, 55.1 [7.5] years; 68.2% male) were included in the study. The meta-analysis estimated a pooled composite QoL score of 71.9% (95% CI: 68.3-75.4) following glossectomy. Subgroup analyses revealed that patients who underwent partial/hemi-glossectomy (vs. subtotal/near-total/total glossectomy) and primary closure (vs. flap reconstruction) have higher QoL following tongue resection. Meta-analysis of 18 studies reporting both pre- and post-glossectomy QoL found an overall stabilization in QoL (SMD: -0.22; 95% CI: -0.63 to 0.19).

Conclusion: This study provides potential evidence that patients with tongue cancer generally maintain their QoL following glossectomy, particularly in key functional domains such as swallowing, speech, and taste. However, high heterogeneity necessitates cautious interpretation.