title: Evaluation and management of the unknown primary carcinoma of the head and neck.
abstract: Squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin in the head and neck is encountered as a recurring clinical problem in head and neck cancer clinics, affecting 3% to 25% of patients. This article describes the clinical presentation, appropriate evaluation, and treatment strategies for this important subgroup. Treatment--best carried out with multidisciplinary teams of specialists experienced in the care of head and neck cancer patients--is curative for most of these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77230-1402, USA.
authors.forename: Chad E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Galer
authors.forename: Merrill S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kies
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009382:Neoplasms, Unknown Primary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*