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.