Introduction. Tongue cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity. Malignant neoplasms of the tongue are one of the biggest problems of treatment for surgeons due to the adverse effect of treatment on the function of the oral cavity and pharynx, reduced quality of life and poor prognosis of advanced disease. With progress in microsurgical techniques, tongue reconstruction is aimed not only at replacing the tissue deficit, but also at restoring its functions.
Case presentation. The patient, 38 years old, diagnosed with cancer of the right lateral surface of the tongue with metastases in neck lymph nodes on both sides, stage IVa, clinical group II, was treated at the Podilskyi Oncology Centre, Vinnytsia, Ukraine. The patient underwent lower temporal tracheostomy, fascial-case dissection of the neck on the left, radical neck dissection on the right, hemiglossectomy on the right with reconstruction with a free radial flap of the forearm. The final outcome was favourable and the operation was functionally successful.
Conclusions. This case shows the effectiveness of replacing a tongue defect with a radial forearm free flap to restore chewing and swallowing function.
Keywords: cancer, radial forearm flap, chewing, swallowing, reconstruction.
Full text sources https://doi.org/10.31688/ABMU.2022.57.4.10
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Anna KUSHTA
National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, Ukraine
Address: Pirogova str., no. 56, Vinnytsya, 21018, Ukraine
Email: dr_anna9@ukr.net; Phone +38 0677903790
