Evaluation of taste sensation after subglossectomy

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the postoperative taste sensation in patients with carcinoma of the tongue who underwent tongue reconstruction after subglossectomy.Patients and Methods : Eleven patients, aged 43 to 76 years with an average of 58.7 years, consisting of 9 men and 2 women, were enrolled in this study. Examination results based on the paper disk method were evaluated at the posterior wall of the mid pharynx and retained tongue by a 6-grade rating scale.Results : All the patients but one had taste disorders. Surprisingly, taste sensation at the posterior wall of the mid pharynx was better than that on the remaining tongue.Conclusion : Carcinoma of the tongue involves several factors which cause taste disorders, including preoperative chemotherapy, surgical invasion and zinc deficiency caused by postoperative eating disorders. After subglossectomy, the patients could sense the taste by taste buds distributed in the pharynx. Taste disorders might occur due to preoperative chemotherapy and zinc deficiency.