[Compartmental approach in the surgical therapy of advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue].

OBJECTIVES

Traditional surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue is based on tumor excision with predefined safety margins. However, due to the complex anatomy of the tongue and multiple tumor spread pathways, this approach may fail to achieve adequate oncological control.

METHODS

Compartmental surgery has been proposed as an alternative approach, based on en-bloc resection of the tumor, cervical lymph nodes, and tumor-node tract, following anatomical pathways of spread. A literature review was conducted using the keywords: (tongue carcinoma) OR (tongue cancer) OR (oral cavity cancer) AND (compartmental surgery).

RESULTS

Fourteen relevant studies were analyzed. The reviewed literature describes an anatomy-based, function-preserving surgical concept. Compared to conventional partial glossectomy, compartmental surgery demonstrated improved oncological outcomes without significant impairment of functional results.

CONCLUSIONS

Compartmental surgery represents a standardized and reproducible approach for tongue cancer, providing adequate radicality while preserving function through anatomy-based surgical principles.