Anterior tongue cancer: age is not a predictor of outcome and should not alter treatment

Background: Mucosal head and neck cancers usually occur in older males after years of smoking and alcohol abuse. Despite this, approximately 5% of cases occur in young adults. The aetiology remains unclear and the anterior tongue is a prevalent site. Prognosis has been reported as worse in young patients and some have proposed a more aggressive treatment approach. Methods: Patients diagnosed with previously untreated anterior tongue squamous cell carcinoma and treated with curative intent were identified. Retrospective and prospective data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken using Cox regression analysis. The outcome of patients treated with anterior tongue cancer using a cut‐off age of 40 years was compared. Results: Between 1980 and 2000, 106 males and 58 females with anterior tongue squamous cell carcinoma were treated at Westmead Hospital. Median follow up was 47 months (6?210 months). Twenty‐two patients (13.4%) were aged ≤40 years. Other than age, patient demographics, TNM stage and treatment approach were similar between the two groups. Eighty‐one per cent had either a T1 or T2 primary. In total, 139 patients (84.8%) had surgery or surgery and radiotherapy. A total of 56 (34%) patients experienced a recurrent event, with nodal recurrence occurring most often as the first site (n = 33, 59%). Young patients had a higher recurrence rate (45.5% vs 32.4%; P = 0.23). Relapse‐free survival at 5 years was 62% versus 81% (P = 0.27). Overall survival at 5 years was 65% versus 67% (P = 0.74). Conclusions: In keeping with recently published evidence, young age at diagnosis with anterior tongue cancer did not portend worse outcome. There is therefore currently no strong evidence to support a different treatment approach in young patients.