Cesium implant for tongue carcinoma with a thickness of 1.5 cm or more: cases successfully treated with a Modified Manchester System.

PURPOSE

Deciding on treatment carcinoma of the tongue when the tumor has a thickness of 1.5 cm or more is difficult. Surgery often requires wide resection and re-construction, leading to considerable functional impairment. A cesium implant is an attractive option, but according to the Manchester System, a two plane implant is needed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

According to the textbook, a tumor is sandwiched between the needles, which are implanted at the edge of the tumor. This may cause an unnecessarily high dose to the outer surface of the tongue, which sometimes leads to a persistent ulcer. To avoid this complication, we invented a modified implantation method, and applied the method to five consecutive patients.

RESULTS

With a minimum follow-up of 2 years, all primary tumors in 5 consecutive patients have been controlled. No complications occurred in soft tissue of the tongue or in the mandible.

CONCLUSION

Our modified Manchester System was feasible and effective for tumors that has a thickness of 1.5 cm or more.