[Squamous epithelial carcinomas of the external ear].
OBJECTIVE
Squamous cell carcinoma of the pinna seems to be associated with a worse prognosis as compared to other locations.


METHODS
We studied 88 patients treated between 1975 and 1990 for a squamous cell carcinoma of the pinna.


RESULTS
Lymph node metastases were present in eight cases (9%) prior to treatment. Treatment was intended to be curative in 83 patients (94%). Tumor therapy was operative in all cases. Radiotherapy was instituted postoperatively in three patients; five patients (5.7%) died due to the tumor. Of 83 curatively treated patients, only 2 died of tumor progression. The survival rate was 98% after 2 years and 95% after 5 years. The recurrence rate was 7% after 1 year, 13% after 2 years, and 18% after 5 years. The outcome with regard to local tumor control and survival was significantly poorer when neck metastases were present.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend tumor excision with wide margins (5-10 mm) as first-line treatment. Neck dissection with parotidectomy is indicated when suspicious lymph nodes are detected by ultrasound sonography, the tumor diameter is > 4 cm, cartilaginous invasion is present, and vertical tumor thickness is > 5 mm.
Federspil
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PA
Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Kirrberger Strasse, 66421 Homburg/Saar. hnopfed@med-rz.uni-sb.de
Pauli
U C
UC
Federspil
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate