Carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouthresults of radical radiotherapy

A review was made of 104 cases of carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth treated at the Hunter Radiation Center of the Yale New Haven Hospital from October 1958 through December 1966. This study was undertaken to determine the cure rates and complications of irradiation therapy in the management of this disease. The cure rates varied according to the location and stage of the tumor. The overall, corrected, cumulative 3-year survival was 45%. Serious complications developed in 5% of the patients. Twenty-six patients considered to be radiation failures underwent resectional surgery. The results of this study justify continuation of the approach thus far employed. To improve the cure rates, emphasis ought to be put on earlier detection of cases.