title: [Value of panendoscopy in metastases of unknown origin].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Klinicki centar Novi Sad, Klinika za bolesti uva, grla i nosa. kljaja@eunet.yu
authors.forename: Vladimir
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kljajić
authors.forename: Rajko
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jović
authors.forename: Karol
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Canji
authors.forename: Slobodan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Savović
mesh_terms: 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*