Knowledge Field and Emerging Hotspots in Tongue Cancer Research: A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to provide a clear and intuitive overview of the current knowledge structure and potential future research trends in the TSCC field through bibliometric and visual analysis of publications. Methods: Bibliographic data for publications in the TSCC field from 2001 to 2021 were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection. Data were visualized and analyzed using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, R package bibliometrix, SCImago Graphica Beta, and Pajek software. Results: A total of 9734 publications related to TSCC were identified. The United States is the leader in the TSCC field, with the highest productivity, citations, centrality, and sigma values. The most productive institution is Sun Yat-sen University in China. ORAL NCOLOGY and SALO T are the most influential and productive journals and authors respectively. Keyword analysis found that research on TSCC sub-fields Neck dissection, Human papillomavirus, Diagnosis is decreasing, while Apoptosis, Quality of life and other fields are still hot. Depth of invasion, Bio-mark and Resistance are emerging keywords in recent years. The co-citation analysis of the literature found that the research focus in the field of TSCC has gradually changed from E-cadherin, Metastases, Epidemiological, Sentinel lymph node and other fields to Depth of invasion, Transoral robotic surgery, Lymphatic, Young patient, and Tumor budding. Conclusions: At present, this field focuses more on clinical research and less on basic research. Depth of invasion, Bio-mark, Transoral robotic surgery, young patient, and Tumor budding are emerging sub-fields of TSCC and potential future research trends.