Arterial embolization for control of bleeding in advanced head and neck carcinoma.
There are a number of patients with unresectable recurrent carcinoma of the head and neck who continue to lead a relatively functional life despite advanced local disease. For these patients bleeding from tumor represents a devastating complication that can abruptly terminate the course of an otherwise chronic disease, albeit a uniformly fatal one. The technique we describe renders a relatively safe and effective treatment that seems to control this problem. We report on our experience with three patients whose tumor bleeding was controlled by permanent intra-arterial embolization with Ivalon, a polyvinyl alcohol-based foam. The technique, indications, and complications are discussed.
D000328:Adult; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000150:complications*