LAUSR

INTRODUCTION Cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx exhibits an aggressive behavior and its diagnosis is, in most cases, attained at advanced stages. Total glossectomy is a therapeutic option in locally advanced cancer, and the only choice in the presence of recurrent or residual disease after chemoradiotherapy. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical-epidemiological profile, postoperative complications, survival rates and functional aspects of patients with oral cavity and oropharynx cancer after total glossectomy. METHODS This was a retrospective study that included 22 patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer after total glossectomy. RESULTS All patients were males, with a median age of 57 years. Most of tumors were located in the tongue and mouth floor and classified as stage IVa. Total glossectomy as the initial treatment was performed in 18 patients and as a salvage operation in four patients. The major pectoralis myocutaneous flap was used for reconstruction in all cases. The main postoperative complications were wound infections and salivary fistula. CONCLUSION Overall survival was 19% and cancer-specific survival was 30.8% in 5 years. Eight patients were rehabilitated for exclusive oral feeding without the dependence on tracheostomy and enteral tube, all with an overall survival greater than 15 months.