title: Surgical management of T1 oropharyngeal carcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of primary transoral surgery in the management of T1 oropharyngeal carcinoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective evaluation was conducted on the files of all patients treated with primary surgery for pT1 oropharyngeal carcinoma at a tertiary referral center between 1976 and 2005.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 223 cases were assessed. Disease-specific survival was 88% and local control 93%. Transoral surgery with the use of CO(2) laser or electrocautery was adopted in every case. Positive surgical margins and regional disease were found to significantly worsen prognosis. A low rate of complications and satisfactory retention of pharyngeal function were noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Primary transoral surgical treatment is very effective against T1 oropharyngeal carcinoma. A low rate of complications should be expected. However, in every case complete excision of the tumor must be accomplished and the neck included in the primary treatment plan.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors.forename: Alexander D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Karatzanis
authors.forename: Georgios
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Psychogios
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Waldfahrer
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zenk
authors.forename: George A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Velegrakis
authors.forename: Heinrich
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Iro
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis