Carcinoma of the tongue: Review of 220 cases

Abstract Two hundred twenty cases of carcinoma of the tongue were reviewed. The three‐year determinant survival of 178 cases was 32.5 percent. The five‐year determinant survival of 169 cases was 29 percent. Only five patients of 41 who developed late node metastasis survived five years. Sixtynine of 79 patients treated for cure by X‐ray therapy developed recurrence. Thirteen were salvaged by secondary treatment. Twenty‐eight of 44 patients treated surgically developed recurrences. Eight were saved by secondary treatment. Because of a high percentage of recurrences at the primary site and a poor salvage of these recurrences, combined therapy is felt to offer the best hope for improved survivals.