Objective: To seek for a better approach for the resection of carcinoma of the base of tongue.
Method: From 1991 to 2000, all 21 cases of tongue base carcinoma had been removed by transhyoid pharyngotomy(11 cases), mandibulectomy(7 cases) and step-liked mandibulotomy (3 cases).
Result: Three patients with step-liked mandibulotomy had speech disorder and dysphagy. The rest had satisfactory speech and swallowing functions. During followed-up of 2-5 years, 2 cases lost follow-up, 18 cases were alive at 2 years, 13 cases were alive at 3 years, 5 cases 5 years.
Conclusion: Transhyoid pharyngotomy provides good exposure to resect those tumors that involve the base of tongue, epiglottis, hypopharynx and larynx.