[Retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy in patients with advanced stage squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx: report of 2 cases and review of the literature].
Drawing from two cases which came under observation, the authors consider the high incidence of retropharyngeal metastases in oropharyngeal carcinoma. The diagnosis is made on the basis of radiographic examinations such as CAT and NMR which reveal the increase in size, the presence of central necrosis of the lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes and the asymmetry of the long neck muscle. In the presence of advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma, the treatment calls for dissection of this space, even when radiology does not show any evident involvement. Lymph node positivity worsens the prognosis. Because of the marked significance of this involvement, some authors have proposed further N staging. Adjuvant RT completes the therapeutic protocol for such patients.
Tullio
A
A
Cattedra e Divisione di Chirurgia Maxillo-Facciale, Università ed Ospedale di Parma.
Bianchi
B
B
Sesenna
E
E
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D006801:Humans; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*