title: Problems in clinical assessment of palatal tumours.
abstract: This paper reviews the classification of tumours affecting the palate. The embryology and anatomy of the palate are outlined in relation to the TNM classification of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJC) for the oral cavity and oropharynx. A series of 80 palatal tumours is reviewed to assess the adequacy of the classification schemes in providing accurate data for tumour treatment comparison. Both schemes rely on relatively crude assessment of total tumour extent and neither provides enough detail to allow valid comparisons.
authors.forename: V C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Cousins
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010157:Palatal Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D010159:Palate / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000196:embryology