Survival and recurrence of resectable tongue cancer: Resection margin cutoff value by T classification

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine an appropriate cutoff value for the resection margin according to the initial T classification. Methods: The medical records of 151 patients treated by surgery for tongue cancer were retrospectively reviewed to identify the significant perioperative parameters and appropriate cutoff value associated with disease-specific survival (DSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results: The posterior resection margin was significantly correlated with survival and local recurrence (P =.020 and .016, respectively), whereas the deep resection margin was correlated with overall recurrence (P = .047). The cutoff values of the posterior and deep resection margins for survival and recurrence were different and larger in the advanced-stage T classification group (0.45 cm vs 0.95 cm and 0.25 cm vs 0.80 cm, respectively). Conclusion: Posterior and deep resection margins are significant prognosticators in tongue cancer. A larger resection margin may be needed in advanced-stage T classification.