[Value of panendoscopy in metastases of unknown origin].
BACKGROUND
Neck metastases of unknown origin are metastatic solid tumors wth primary undetactable by physical examination, chest x-ray, rutine blood and urine studies and histologic evaluation.


METHODS
This study included 77 patients of both sexes, average age 57 years, undergoing a diagnostic procedure at ENT clinic, Clinical Center Novi Sad, in the period from 1992 to 2001.


RESULTS
The prymary tumor was detected in 51% of all cases by panendoscopy and bilateral tonsillectomy. In 14 of 26 patients (54%), in whom the site of the primary tumor was not detected, after telecobalt therapy and radical neck dissection, no relapses occurred. Pathohistological examination revealed planocellular carcinoma in 50 (65%) cases, transitional cell carcinoma in 9 (11.7%) cases and lymphoma in 7 (9.1%) cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Cervical metastases with unknown primary tumor are the first sign of head and neck malignant disease. Panendoscopy with bilateral tonsillectomy and multiple mucosal biopsies are necessary procedures in detecting the primary tumor site.
Kljajić
Vladimir
V
Klinicki centar Novi Sad, Klinika za bolesti uva, grla i nosa. kljaja@eunet.yu
Jović
Rajko
R
Canji
Karol
K
Savović
Slobodan
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009382:Neoplasms, Unknown Primary / Q000175:diagnosis*