Chemosensory Functions After Glossectomy—A Cross‐Sectional Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate potential interactions and compensatory mechanisms of subjectively impaired taste function with ortho‐ and retronasal olfaction after glossectomy. STUDY DESIGN: In this cross‐sectional pilot study, chemosensory functions were assessed in 25 patients with tongue carcinomas after glossectomy. The orthonasal‐, retronasal‐, and gustatory functions were tested with a mean time of 25 months after surgery with the Sniffin’ Sticks odor identification test kit (ISST), the Candy Smell‐27 test (CST‐27) and the Taste strip test (TST). Visual analog scales (VAS) were additionally used for self‐assessment of taste, flavor perception, and odor ranging from 0 (no perception) to 10 (excellent perception) and further correlated with our psychophysical evaluated outcome measures. RESULTS: The TST, ISST, and CST‐27 tests revealed that only eight (32%) and 13 (52%) glossectomy patients had normal taste and orthonasal function, e 21 (84%) patients showed normal retronasal function. Importantly, neither extent of resection and reconstruction nor prior radiotherapy affected chemosensory functions. Contrary, 20 (80%) patients rated their taste and flavor perception as acceptable (VAS >5). Results of the TST, ISST, and CST‐27 tests did not correlate with the equivalent self‐assessments of taste (p = 0.260, r = 0.234), odor (p = 0.588, r = −0.114), and flavor (p = 0.728, r = 0.073) perception. CONCLUSION: There was a significant discrepancy between self‐perception of taste and flavor and assessed gustatory function after glossectomy. A contribution of the intact retronasal olfactory system could be a possible explanation of our results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:375–382, 2023