舌根癌手术治疗2例报告

目的探讨手术治疗舌根癌的方法.方法分别为2例舌根癌患者实施咽侧入路及下颌骨正中裂开外旋入路切除肿瘤,应用胸骨舌骨肌肌筋膜瓣和胸大肌肌皮瓣修复缺损.结果2例患者切口均一期愈合,经锻炼逐步恢复了吞咽及语言功能;术后10月和18月复发.结论术前充分检查,准确评估肿瘤范围是选择合适的术式,彻底切除肿瘤的前提;咽侧入路及下颌骨正中裂开外旋入路是切除舌根癌最常用的有效手术径路;胸骨舌骨肌肌筋膜瓣和胸大肌肌皮瓣修复是两种有效的修复方法,前者对术后吞咽、语言功能的影响较小,后者可修复局部较大的组织缺损.     

累及舌根晚期咽喉恶性肿瘤的手术及舌根重建

目的 探讨累及舌根恶性肿瘤的手术及功能重建。方法 对手术治疗的57例原发舌根及咽喉部累及舌根的恶性肿瘤病人进行总结，其中舌根癌7例，软腭癌累及舌根6例，扁桃体癌累及舌根14例，声门上区喉癌累及舌根30例，分别实施经口、咽侧、舌骨区、下颌骨正中裂开外旋入路切除肿瘤，术后行切除舌根的修复及舌功能重建，应用颈阔肌皮瓣、胸骨舌骨肌肌筋膜(皮)瓣、颞肌肌筋膜瓣、胸大肌肌皮瓣、喉气管瓣及局部拉拢缝合喉体上提修复缺损。结果 全部病人术后经锻炼逐步恢复了饮食功能；除行喉气管瓣修复5例外，全部恢复了言语功能；3年、5年生存率分别为40／57(70．18％)、33／57(57．89％)。结论 术前对肿瘤原发部位及范围的准确评估是选择合适的手术进路、修复方式及彻底切除肿瘤的重要前提；适合的手术入路及修复方式，在彻底切除肿瘤的同时得以功能重建，提高了生活质量，可以获得较为理想的治疗效果：对这类肿瘤府采取积极有效的综合治疗措施。     

口咽癌的外科治疗

目的：探讨口咽癌扩大切除一期再建的手术方法,观察并发症及术后语言、吞咽功能恢复情况。方法：30例口咽癌中软腭癌2例,扁桃体癌3例,咽侧壁癌16例,舌根癌9例;Ⅲ、Ⅳ期患者占63．3％（19／30）,颈淋巴结转移53．3％（16／30）。22例用下颌骨切开外旋或切除升支入路进行了肿块根治性切除,同期行颌下清扫术1例,肩胛舌骨肌上清扫术3例,根治性颈清扫术26例。咽部缺损用带蒂胸大肌皮瓣整复17例,胸锁乳突肌皮瓣4例,额顶部岛状皮瓣3例,斜方肌皮瓣和颈阔肌皮瓣各1例,游离前臂皮瓣＋带蒂复合瓣4例。手术＋放疗25例,单纯手术5例。结果：3年生存率为66．7％（14／21）。术后局部感染7例,涎瘘5例,皮瓣远端部分坏死4例,语言、吞咽功能基本恢复。结论：局部缺损范围和选择适宜的肌皮瓣是恢复腭咽闭合及舌可动性的主要因素,带蒂胸大肌皮瓣修复软腭、口咽侧壁及舌根大面积缺损效果良好。     

下颌骨外旋径路切除晚期口咽癌的临床研究--附6例报告

目的探讨晚期口咽癌的手术入路和口咽缺损的一期修复。方法采用下颌骨外旋径路切除晚期口咽癌6例，其中口咽侧壁癌5例，舌根癌1例；口咽缺损均采用胸大肌肌皮瓣修复。结果全部病例随访2～7年，4例存活3～7年以上，2例分别于术后1，3年死于局部复发。1例咽瘘，3例短期食物返流入鼻腔。全部病例半年内吞咽、言语功能基本恢复。结论下颌骨外旋径路切除晚期口咽癌，具有视野开阔、直视下完整大块切除肿瘤、且便于修复缺损；胸大肌肌皮瓣修复口咽侧壁、舌根及软腭缺损效果良好。     

经舌骨入路口咽前壁癌的综合治疗

目的 探讨对口咽前壁癌患者施行以经舌骨入路切除为主的综合治疗效果.方法 回顾性分析2005年5月至2010年10月24例口咽前壁即舌根会厌区癌患者的临床资料.24例患者中T27例,T3 2例,T4 15例;N0 7例,N1 4例,N2 12例,N3 1例.均经舌骨入路,行全舌根和(或)半舌切除+喉部分切除9例,舌部分切除+喉全切除7例,舌全切除+喉部分切除7例,舌部分切除(全舌根+半舌)1例.胸大肌岛状肌皮瓣修复全舌(7例)或部分舌(9例)及咽侧壁缺损(16例),修复颈部皮肤缺损1例;游离前臂皮瓣+胸骨舌骨肌瓣修复半舌、咽侧及部分咽后缺损1例;胸骨舌骨肌瓣修复舌根2例;直接拉拢缝合4例.20例行双侧颈清扫术,4例行单侧颈清扫术.术前放疗5例,术后放疗16例.结果 24例患者原发灶切缘均阴性,17例(70.8％)患者淋巴转移阳性.术后咽瘘3例,其中2例舌部分切除+喉全切除胸大肌皮瓣一期修复术后4d出现咽瘘者,经清创换药后拉拢缝合;1例舌根全切除+喉部分切除术后放疗后咽瘘者以胸大肌皮瓣修复.17例保留喉功能患者中16例于术后1～6个月内拔管,恢复正常饮食,构音尚可,另1例发音、吞咽尚好,但堵管后通气不足,未能拔管.随访3年以上21例,Kaplan-Meier法计算3年总生存率72.6％.结论 经舌骨入路口咽前壁癌切除是较为理想的术式之一,手术缺损较大,多需一期修复,综合治疗尚能取得较满意结果.     

口咽癌的外科治疗

目的：探讨口咽癌扩大切除一期再建的手术方法，观察并发症及术后语言，吞咽功能恢复情况。方法：３０例口咽癌中软腭癌２例，扁桃体癌３例，咽侧壁癌１６例，舌根癌９例；Ⅲ，Ⅳ期患者６３．３％（１９／３０），颈淋巴结转移５３．３％（１６／３０），２２例用下颌骨切开外旋或切除切支入路进行了肿块根治性切除，同期行颌下清扫术１例，肩胛舌骨肌上清扫术３例，根治性颈清扫术２６例。咽部缺损用带蒂胸大肌皮瓣整复１７例，胸倘     

晚期喉癌下咽癌术后缺损的修复

目的总结分析晚期喉癌下咽癌术后的舌部、咽喉部、颈段食管及颈部皮肤等组织缺损的修复经验。方法2005年1月~2012年12月共手术治疗喉癌、下咽癌患者177例,男147例,女30例。年龄42~75岁,中位年龄51岁。其中首次治疗的IV期喉癌49例、IV期下咽癌44例、复发喉癌55例和复发下咽癌29例。原发灶切除：全喉+全下咽切除88例,全喉+全下咽+舌根切除29例,全喉+全下咽+颈段食管切除33例,全喉+全下咽+颈段食管切除+颈部皮肤切除26例,全舌+全下咽+全喉+颈段食管切除+颈部皮肤切除1例。缺损类型及修复材料：下咽近环周缺损120例患者行单一皮瓣修复,其中颏下皮瓣25例、胸大肌肌皮瓣53例、股前外侧皮瓣42例。下咽环周缺损57例患者行单一皮瓣修复下咽环周缺损15例,包括股前外侧皮瓣9例和胸大肌肌皮瓣6例;行游离空肠瓣修复下咽环周缺损合并口咽、颈段食道缺损者21例;联合应用游离空肠瓣、胸大肌肌皮瓣或（和）股前外侧皮瓣修复下咽环周缺损合并舌、口咽、颈段食道缺损或（和）颈部皮肤组织缺损者10例;采用胃上徙管胃成形修复下咽合并全食道缺损11例。术后放疗95例,组织瓣无放射性坏死。结果一次手术成功率92.1%（163/177）;修复瓣坏死14例患者行再次修复手术成功,包括空肠4例,另一侧胸大肌皮瓣6例,另一侧游离股前外侧皮瓣4例。咽瘘经换药后愈合6例。无手术死亡病例。咽部及造瘘口复发13例（再手术7例,放化疗6例）,食管二重癌5例予以放化疗,颈部淋巴结复发17例（再手术9例,放化疗8例）。肺转移6例,肝转移2例,多个远处转移4例,局部复发并远处转移7例。局部复发死亡23例,远处转移死亡12例。全组3年生存率50.4%;5年生存率39.4%。结论①晚期和复发的喉癌及下咽癌术后软组织缺损,需根据患者的缺损范围和身体状况选择自体修复材料;②复杂的多重组织和器官的缺损需要用多种自身材料叠加修复以重建上消化道;③密切观察游离组织瓣的血运状况,及早处理坏死的组织瓣并重新修复,以确保伤口尽快愈合。     

舌根癌的外科治疗

恰当地选择舌根癌外科手术进路，修复肿瘤切除后的缺损，对提高生存率、恢复并保存患者的语言、吞咽等功能是十分必要的。1987～1994年，对23例舌根鳞状细胞癌采取了经咽侧和经下颌骨切开的手术进路，用颈阔肌瓣一期修复舌根咽侧缺损。术后2、3、5年生存情况分别为20／23、13／16、4／7。语言及吞咽功能恢复良好，部分病人因术后放疗致口腔干燥而影响吞咽。根据肿瘤大小、侵袭范围选择手术进路才能充分显露肿物，便于彻底切除，又可避免不必要的损伤。颈阔肌瓣尽管修复面积有限，用于修复部分舌根、咽侧缺损，具有切取方便、距受区近、质地软、成活率高、并发症少等优点。     

舌根癌的外科治疗

恰当地选择舌根癌外科手术进路，修复肿瘤切除后的缺损，对提高生存率、恢复并保存患者的语言、吞咽等功能是十分必要的。１９８７￣１９９４年，对２３例舌根鳞状细胞癌采取了经咽侧和经下颌骨切开的手术进路，用颈阔肌瓣一期修复舌根咽侧缺损。术后２、３、５年生存情况分别为２０／２３、１３／１６、４／７。语言及吞咽功能恢复良好，部分病人因术后放疗致口腔干燥而影响吞咽。根据肿瘤大小、侵袭范围选择手术进路才能充分显露肿     

扁桃体癌手术及修复方法的选择

目的 探讨扁桃体癌手术切除入路与组织缺损的几种修复方法及疗效.方法 采用颈前舌骨入路及下颔骨正中裂开外旋入路切除19例扁桃体癌,分别应用舌瓣、颞肌筋膜瓣及胸大肌肌皮瓣修复缺损.结果 1例胸大肌肌皮瓣术后出现皮肤部分坏死,3例颞肌筋膜瓣修复者术后张口轻度受限,其余患者术后呼吸、吞咽、咀嚼和语音功能恢复良好.结论 在选择合适的手术入路彻底切除肿瘤的前题下,熟练地掌握多种修复方法,择优采用,是恢复良好口咽功能,提高患者术后生活质量的重要保证.     

Oropharyngeal reconstruction: current state of the art

Oropharyngeal reconstruction represents one of the greatest challenges in the surgical rehabilitation of patients with head and neck cancer. This article reviews several reconstruction methods, starting with the primary closure and healing by secondary intention all the way to the complex sensate microvascular flap reconstructions. Small defects such as tonsillar, small tongue base, and partial palatal defects may be closed primarily or left to granulate. This is assuming that there is no communication with the neck or bone exposure. Local flaps such as the palatal island, submental, and buccal mucosal flaps are used to close small to moderate-sized defects. Split-thickness skin grafts are also appropriate for small to moderate-sized defects. Larger defects such as total palatal, more than 50% of the tongue base, and composite tongue base/palatal/pharyngeal defects may be closed with regional myocutaneous pedicled flaps such as the pectoralis major, lower trapezius, or latissimus dorsi pedicled flaps. Microvascular tissue transfer is an excellent alternative for closure of moderate to large-sized defects. Free tissue transfer includes the radial forearm and the lateral arm free flaps. Both of these can have a sensory component. Free jejunal flaps are used for total or subtotal hypopharyngeal defects. Free gastro-omental flaps may be used for oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal reconstruction as well. For defects involving bone, fibular flaps are an excellent option and can provide sensation. The scapular free flap may be used as well and offers the advantage of having two skin paddles (scapular and parascapular) for internal and external lining. Following a reconstructive ladder is extremely important in ensuring good function and, hence, improved quality of life.     

舌根、咽旁肿瘤外科手术径路比较研究

目的：比较舌根、咽旁肿瘤几种主要手术径路的优缺点，重点分析正中-颌舌沟径路。方法：对41例住院且行外科切除术的舌根、咽旁肿瘤病人的手术方法、手术体会、并发症等进行回顾性研究。结果：口内直接入路、口底舌骨上入路、旁侧入路、正中-颌舌沟入路等4种手术径路皆能满足该区域外科手术的需要，达到完全切除肿瘤和即刻修复的目的。4种径路各具不同的特点。结论：合适的外科径路是舌根和咽旁肿瘤外科手术的关键，正中-颌舌沟径路是一种损伤小、组织保护好的外科径路。     

颞浅血管为蒂的帽状腱膜瓣修复头颈肿瘤术后缺损

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the advantage and applications of pedicled galeal flap in head and neck region. METHODS: A consecutive series of 17 patients underwent surgical reconstruction with pedicled galeal flaps after head and neck tumor resection. The defects included nasopharynx, skull base, maxilla, orbital base, oropharynx and oral cavity and the size ranged from 5 cm x 5 cm to 10 cm x 10 cm. The technique for using this flap was described and application was illustrated with 3 case reports. RESULTS: Complete success of galeal flaps for the reconstruction of head and neck defects was achieved in 13 of the 17 cases (76.5%) and partial necrosis was observed in the remaining 4 cases (23.4%). Immediate wound complications occurred in four cases, which resolved spontaneously. Four delayed complications were observed in 4 of 9 survival cases that included trismus (3) and alopecia (1). CONCLUSION: Galeal flap is a thin, pliable and well vascularised reconstruction tissue and is highly reliable. The donor site morbidity is minor. We have found the flap to be useful in the reconstruction of a variety of defects in head and neck, especially in skull base, orbital base, nasopharynx and oropharynx.     

喉环上部分切除喉腔成形术

目的 探讨提高中晚期喉癌生存率,避免或减轻术后呛咳程度,提高发音质量的方法。方法 40例中晚期喉癌采用次全喉切除术,保留一侧或两侧杓状软骨,用带蒂甲状软骨膜或肌膜,于一侧杓状软骨和环状软骨或第一气管环5点或7点处之间缝合重建声带,并将切除的杓状软骨处加高成形再建杓区。环舌固定。结果 3年、5年生存率分别为85．0％（34／40）和76．2％（16／21）。 吞咽无呛咳36例（90．0％）,轻度呛咳4例;发音良好37例（92．5％）;拔管率为92．5％（37例）。结论 喉次全切除带蒂软骨膜环杓连接喉功能重建术,在不影响生存率和拔管率的同时,有效防止了误吸,提高了发音质量。     

Swallowing outcomes after microvascular head and neck reconstruction: a prospective review of 191 cases

BACKGROUND: The use of microvascular free tissue flaps tailored specifically to the ablative surgical defects has allowed precise anatomic reconstructions to be performed and, in turn, has improved patient outcomes. We report here the postoperative swallowing outcomes of patients undergoing microvascular reconstructions for a range of head and neck defects at the Cleveland Clinic. METHODS: The study includes 191 consecutive reconstructions for varied defects. All patients were reconstructed with four specific microvascular flaps based on their surgical defect, and postoperative swallowing outcomes were evaluated and recorded on a prospectively maintained database. Pre- and postoperative swallowing was graded on an ordinal scale. Data were simultaneously collected on the precise anatomic ablative defect in each patient, subdividing the head and neck into 16 subsites. The data were analyzed using a multivariate analysis accounting for comorbid factors, type of flap used, and subsite of defect. RESULTS: The findings are summarized as follows. There were no flap failures. The percent of patients who were able to swallow and maintain an exclusively oral diet postoperatively was 78.5%. Only 16.8% were unable to have an oral diet (NPO) and dependent on a gastric tube (G-tube) for feeding. The factors that predicted an inability to swallow include tongue resection, preoperative radiation therapy, and hypopharyngeal defects. In contrast, floor of mouth, mandibular, and pharyngeal defects, regardless of size, had excellent long-term swallowing outcomes. Most patients with these defects were able to tolerate at least a soft solid diet. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we report excellent postoperative swallowing outcomes after microvascular reconstructions at our institution that compare favorably with outcomes with pedicled flaps and historic controls. The type of flap used and the size of defect had minimal effects on swallowing outcomes. The most difficult subsites to reconstruct were tongue defects, which strongly correlated with poor swallowing outcomes. The other factor that strongly impacted outcomes was preoperative radiation treatment. We believe these results highlight the utility of free flaps in recreating the precise anatomy required to maintain swallowing function. These data will hopefully support numerous previous studies that have established the use of microvascular reconstruction as standard of care for ablative surgical defects in the head and neck.     

Swallowing function following extensive resection of oral or oropharyngeal cancer with laryngeal suspension and cricopharyngeal myotomy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors that influence postoperative swallowing function in patients who underwent tongue and oropharynx resection. METHODS: Sixty-two subjects who had undergone extensive resection of oral or oropharyngeal cancer between 1993 and 2005 participated in this study. All surgical procedures involved excision of the bilateral suprahyoid muscles or of >or=50% of the tongue base. Laryngeal suspension and cricopharyngeal myotomy were performed on all subjects. A multivariate analysis of the effects of extensive tongue and oropharynx resection on swallowing function was performed. RESULTS: A total of 53 (85.5%) of the 62 subjects achieved independent oral intake and no longer required tube feeding. Six months after surgery, better eating capabilities had been attained by younger patients as compared with older patients; patients with less extensive tongue base resections; patients who had not undergone radiotherapy; and patients reconstructed with free flaps rather than pedicled flaps. CONCLUSIONS: Age was found to be the most important factor in determining whether a patient could achieve independent oral intake after extensive oral or oropharyngeal resection. The main factors in determining the quality of diet attained by the patient were found to be age, the percentage of tongue base resection, and the method of postoperative reconstruction.     

内镜下带血管蒂鼻中隔黏骨膜瓣修复颅底缺损

目的 探讨内镜下应用带血管蒂的鼻中隔黏骨膜瓣修复颅底硬膜缺损的方法及疗效.方法 回顾性分析2008年7月至2010年3月间收治的8例应用带血管蒂的鼻中隔黏骨膜瓣鼻内镜下修复术后颅底硬膜缺损及创伤性脑脊液鼻漏患者的临床资料及随访结果.8例患者均为男性,年龄28～60岁,平均年龄41岁.其中前颅底血管外皮瘤1例、嗅神经母细胞瘤1例(Kadish C型)、筛窦癌1例、鼻咽癌放疗后局部复发3例、颅底类癌1例、脑脊液鼻漏伴反复颅内感染1例.其中前颅底缺损6例,中颅底缺损2例.手术采用内镜经鼻入路,直视下获取以鼻后动脉为蒂的一侧鼻中隔黏骨膜瓣.组织瓣覆盖硬膜缺损后,周缘敷以明胶海绵,并用生物蛋白胶固定,鼻内以碘仿纱条、水囊及膨胀海绵支撑.术后5～7 d撤除全部鼻内支撑物.结果 1例鼻中隔瓣部分坏死,其余7例鼻中隔瓣全部成活.1例术后7 d有脑脊液鼻漏,再次手术探查以腹部脂肪封堵漏口成功,术后随访6～24个月,颅底组织愈合良好,无延迟性脑脊液漏及颅内感染发生.结论 内镜经鼻入路采用带血管蒂鼻中隔黏骨膜瓣修复颅底硬膜缺损是一种可靠的颅底重建方法.

Abstract：

Objective To introduce a method and the clinical effects of repairing skull base defects and dural defects using vascular pedicled nasoseptal mucoperiosteal flaps through an endoscopic endonasal approach. Methods The clinical and follow-up data for 8 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal reconstruction of skull base defects and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea with a vascular pedicled nasoseptal mucoperiosteal flap between July 2008 and March 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were male. The age of these patients ranged from 28 to 60 years (average 41 years). The diagnosis for these patients included one hemoangiopericytoma of the anterior skull base one olfactory neuroblastoma (type of Kadish C) , one ethmoid sinus cancer, three local recurrent cancers of the nasopharynx after radiotherapy,one carcinoid of skull base and one traumatic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea with recurrent intracranial infection. There were six anterior skull base defects and two middle cranial fossa defects. An endoscopic endonasal surgical approach was used for the repair. A pedicled flap using the nasal septal mucoperiosteum based on the posterior nasal artery was harvested from the ipsilateral side. The tissue flap was used to cover the dural defects. The margin was covered with gelatin sponge and fixed with fibrin glue. The nasal cavity was packed with iodoform gauze, a Foley catheter balloon and Merocel in this sequence to secure the flap in place. Nasal packing was removed 5 to 7 days postoperatively. Results Partial septal flap necrosis was found in one case, but the flaps in the other 7 cases survived. A postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred in one case 7 days after surgery. This was re-explored and successfully repaired with abdominal fat.All cases healed well, with no delayed cerebrospinal fluid leaks or intracranial infections during the 6 to 24 months follow-up period. Conclusion The vascular pedicled nasoseptal mucoperiosteal flap is a reliable choice for endoscopic endonasal skull base reconstruction.     

游离股前外侧皮瓣修复头颈肿瘤术后缺损

目的探索供区功能和外观损伤更小的游离股前外侧(anterolateralthigh,ALT)皮瓣修复技术,运用于头颈肿瘤术后缺损。方法2003年12月—2005年5月中国医科院肿瘤医院头颈外科用于头颈部手术缺损修复的游离股前外侧皮瓣8例。头颈部肿瘤手术缺损按受区部位分为口咽侧壁3例,舌活动部2例,颊黏膜、舌根和颅底各1例。结果8例游离ALT皮瓣手术均获成功。供区伤口一期愈合,未发现切口裂开,下肢运动和感觉功能障碍等手术并发症。8例皮瓣的穿支血管类型均为肌皮穿支,皮瓣应用面积为(4~8)cm×(5~10)cm。手术时间5~10h,平均7h。皮瓣切取制作时间65~115min,平均80min。结论游离股前外侧皮瓣具有修复技术可靠、供区部位隐蔽和并发症少等优点,是头颈部缺损修复的理想皮瓣之一。     

Pedicled temporoparietal fascial flap reconstruction of select intraoral defects

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Multiple modalities exist for reconstruction of oral cavity defects following resection. Although microvascular free tissue transfer is often the first choice for complex intraoral defect reconstruction, not all patients are suitable candidates for "free flaps." The authors present their experience with the pedicled temporoparietal fascial flap (TPFF) for reconstruction of selected intraoral defects. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Charts of patients who underwent a TPFF for reconstruction of intraoral defects at a tertiary academic institution between 2001 to 2003 were reviewed. Information regarding tumor, surgical procedure, complications, and results was gathered. The anatomy and surgical technique of using the TPFF for intraoral reconstruction were reviewed. RESULTS: Three patients underwent reconstruction of an intraoral defect with a TPFF. All defects were on the lateral buccal space with significant anterior or posterior extension. All patients had specific contraindications for free flaps, including compromised donor site or recipient site vascularity and medical comorbidity. The procedures were uncomplicated. There was no incidence of flap failure, and all flaps accepted a split-thickness skin graft. The average hospital stay was 7 days. An oral diet was begun on the fifth postoperative day. The cosmetic result at the donor site was excellent. Follow-up has ranged from 7 to 30 months. Mild contracture of the flap developed in two patients, limiting mandibular motion. CONCLUSION: The TPFF is a thin, vascular, durable flap that is a viable option for reconstruction of selected intraoral defects in patients who are not suitable candidates for other methods.     

Reconstruction of the mobile tongue malignant tumor excision: quality-of-life assessment in 19 patients

INTRODUCTION: Tumor tongue excision leads to anatomical and functional defects (chewing, swallowing, oral and prosthetic hygiene). The extension of the resection depends on tumor size and surgical radicality. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In our department, 72 cases of lingual tumor were treated between may 1987 and January 1997. 73% of these cases were infiltrating squamous cell carcinomas. 71% were male. Most of the tumors were located at the ventral (45%) and lateral side (36%). 25% of the tumors crossed the midline. Staging was most often pT(2) (46%) and pN(0) (62%). Reconstruction with radial free flap occurred in 37%, with pedicled pectoralis major muscle flap in 13% and with pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap in 25% of cases. 51% of the patients were irradiated. All the patients were asked about their quality of live by an 11 questions questionnaire. The questions concerned the different oral and lingual functions and the social, familial, affective and professional life. RESULTS: 19 patients (that means 26%) answered the questionnaire. 9 of them were reconstructed with a flap (6 free radial flaps, 2 pedicled pectoralis major flaps, 1 pedicled latissimus dorsi flap) and were irradiated. In the 10 other patients wounds were closed by simple sutures of the margins. 1 of these 10 patients was irradiated. There was no correlation between scores of the questions and neither pT nor age of patients. We observed a parallelism between scores of the questions about speech and swallowing. Scores of the questions about swallowing were higher when a flap was used for reconstruction, whatever was the type of flap. DISCUSSION: A questionnaire was drawn up from the UW QOL questionnaire. It was a simplified questionnaire with reduced number of questions and simple words. Lesser tongue immobility leads to a better swallowing. Swallowing and speech were worst when tongue resection was large. In this quality of life study, there was a few number of patients that answered the questionnaire so that it is impossible to make a difference between the different flaps.