Effects of smoking cessation on taste function in heavy smokers undergoing hemiglossectomy for tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Smokers with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue may be particularly prone to experience multifactorial gustatory dysfunction. This study investigates the effects of heavy smoking on taste perception in patients undergoing glossectomy type IIIa (i.e. non-compartment hemiglossectomy) for SCC of the tongue.

Methods

Gustatory function was assessed in 30 heavy-smoking patients with SCC of the tongue using a validated taste strips test. Psychophysical evaluations were conducted at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-surgery.

Results

At baseline, mean taste strip scores (TSS [SD]) were significantly lower in patients compared to controls (8.7 [1.9] vs. 11.6 [2.1], P <.001). Post-treatment, TSS in patients declined to 7.2 [1.0] at 3 months, followed b

SUBMITTER: Boscolo-Rizzo P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12518390 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature