Laryngo- rhino- otologie
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Laryngo- rhino- otologie · Sep 2003
Comparative Study[Diagnosis and management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region with unknown primary. A survey of 167 patients].
Carcinoma of unknown primary is defined as histological diagnosis of metastasis without diagnosis of a primary tumor. The incidence of CUP is stated in the literature between 3 % and 15 % of all patients with an malignant disease. Histological examination of CUP-metastasis of the neck most frequently shows a squamous cell carcinoma. A retrospective study of patient data was undertaken. ⋯ Bilateral tonsillectomy is especially important and is correlated with a significant improvement of the survival rate in CUP patients. Additional postoperative radiation of the pharynx from the base of the skull to the upper oesophagus should also be considered, in order to treat a possible--small--primary tumor in this region.