Long-Term Results of Intraoral Excision for Submandibular Mixed Tumors / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Generally, the benign mixed tumors of the submandibular gland are successfully removed via transcervical approach. Recently, however, an alternative to the standard transcervical approach, such as an intraoral approach, has been reported. The surgical results of intraoral excisions for submandibular mixed tumors are discussed here. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A retrospective review was carried out for 24 patients with submandibular mixed tumors who were past 3 years of follow-up. Surgical morbidities and benefits were studied using these data. RESULTS: All patients successfully received an excision of the submandibular gland with tumor via an intraoral approach. Early postoperative complications of temporary lingual sensory paresis were developed in 75% of patients, followed by 54% of patients with temporary limitation of tongue movement. In contrast, there were no permanent paresis. Late complications were developed in two cases of mild deviation of tongue due to scar contracture on the floor of mouth, whereas two cases of tumor recurrence and one case of post-gustatory sweating syndrome were observed after surgery. CONCLUSION: This approach might be safe, if used with proper expertise, for the treatment of submandibular mixed tumors. The main advantages of this approach are that no external scars nor permanent injury are incurred to the related nerves. However, disadvantages are temporary lingual paresis and temporary limitation of tongue movement. Unfortunately, there were two cases showing recurrence after surgery and thus required more follow-up.