The management of squamous cell carcinoma of the neck. The Birmingham UK experience.
OBJECTIVE
To review our treatment strategy and outcomes for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the neck.


METHODS
One hundred and six consecutive patients treated between 1992 and 1998 were analysed retrospectively. The following data were obtained. Demographic details, tumour site, clinical and pathological TMN staging, tumour grade and presence of extracapsular spread, treatment modality (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy), type of neck dissection and complications, 2-year loco-regional control and 5-year overall survival.


RESULTS
Ninety-two patients had advanced disease (stages 3 and 4) and of these, 57% had palpable neck metastases. One hundred and six patients underwent a total of 132 neck dissections. Seventy-three patients had post-operative radiotherapy to both sides of the neck and a total of 31 patients took part in the UKHAN 1 trial. Seventy percent of patients achieved 2-year loco-regional control and 63% survived 5-years.


CONCLUSIONS
Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the neck can successfully be treated with an aggressive surgical approach and post-operative radiotherapy when indicated. Excellent 2-year loco-regional control and 5-year survival rates are possible.
Mastronikolis
N S
NS
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK.
Fitzgerald
D
D
Owen
C
C
Neary
Z
Z
Glaholm
J
J
Watkinson
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011379:Prognosis; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome