All patients undergoing radical tumor resection for squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue between 2000 and 2012 were included. Specimens were analyzed histopathologically and co-variables were interpreted. Follow-up was performed clinically and radiologically for at least 3 years according to current guidelines.
We included 492 patients who had a median follow-up of 70 months. Variables associated with survival (p < 0.05) were age, tumor stage, N stage, UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) stage, tumor grade, and recurrence. In the receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden-Index analyses, the optimal tumor thickness cut-off was 8 mm to detect significant differences in overall survival.
We highlight the importance of tumor thickness as a predictive variable in tongue cancer. Specifically, a cut-off point of 8 mm allowed for a more accurate and statistically precise prediction of lymph node metastasis. These findings could supplement the current classification of tongue cancers and form the basis for treatment.