Transoral resection with buccinator flap reconstruction vs. pull-through resection and free flap reconstruction for the management of T1/T2 cancer of the tongue and floor of the mouth

Aim: To compare the most important techniques usually used in these patients.

Materials and methods: A multicentric retrospective evaluation on patients treated for cT1/2 N0 OTFOM SCC was conducted; patients in group A were treated by transoral approach and miomucosal local flap while those in group B were treated by pull-through and free flap reconstruction. Oncologic, functional and quality of life evaluation was assessed.

Results: 55 patients were enrolled. Group A consisted of 35 patients and group B 20. At the 3-year follow-up 30 and 17 patients in group A and B were alive without disease. Tongue mobility index score was 23.3 in group A and 13.89 in group B (p < .001); Sydney swallowing mean score was 118.5 and 543.22 in group A and B (p < .001). EORTC QLC-C30 was of 33.57 in group A and 38.89 in group B (p = 0.057).

Conclusion: T1/T2 cancers of the tongue and floor of the mouth can be equally treated with both techniques. Because of the fact that transoral resection with buccinators reconstruction provides better functional outcome, this technique should be preferred whenever appropriate.