PROGNOSTIC FACTORS FOR LOCAL-CONTROL AND SURVIVAL OF CANCER OF THE ORAL TONGUE - A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 230 CASES IN WESTERN SWEDEN

During the 19-year period from 1970 to 1988, 289 cases of squamous cel l carcinoma of the oral tongue were diagnosed in Western Sweden. In 23 0 of these, treatment regimens and results were analysed in an attempt to define prognostic factors for local control and survival. Tumour s tages were: T1 26%, T2 32%, T3 30% and T4 13%. Nodal disease was seen in 32% of the patients. Sixty per cent of the patients had surgery, 74 % external with or without combination with interstitial irradiation; and 32% received chemotherapy. The local control rate at five years wa s 59% (T1 66%, T2 67%, T3 44% and T4 O%). Survival at five years was 3 7% (T1 61%, T2 51%, T3 19% and T4 O%). By a multivariate procedure we demonstrate that the tumour related variables T-category, N-category a nd extension to the tonsillar region had a significant association wit h survival. Extension to the tonsillar region, extension to the floor of the mouth and level of neck nodes were significantly associated wit h local-regional control.