[Current practice of tumour endoscopy in German ENT-clinics].
BACKGROUND
Second primary carcinomas (SPC) essentially influence therapy and the outcome in head and neck cancer. This study presents the current status of tumour endoscopy in German ENT-clinics.


METHODS
A standardised questionnaire regarding indication, time of event, examined anatomical region and technique of tumour endoscopy was compiled, sent to all German ENT-clinics (n=159) and subsequently analysed.


RESULTS
In 94-100% of the clinics, tumour endoscopy is being conducted when primary carcinoma lies within oral cavity, pharynx, larynx or is a CUP-syndrome. In 80%, 2-stage surgical procedure is preferred. Nasal cavity and tracheobronchial system (47%, 74%) are often not included in the examination. When primary cancer is seen, in 7% of the clinics a standardised biopsy of unsuspicious anatomic areas is conducted. In CUP-syndrome, unsuspicious surfaces within the pharynx do not undergo routine biopsy in 10-20% of the clinics. In tracheobronchoscopy (63.0%) and esophagoscopy (93.3%) rigid scopes are mainly used. 65% of the clinics conduct endoscopy as follow-up care.


CONCLUSIONS
Practice of tumour endoscopy in German ENT-clinics is widespread but does not follow standardised mechanisms. Current international literature shows that there is no common consensus on value and techniques of tumour endoscopy, however, due to highly developed radiological diagnostics, risks of rigid endoscopies and unknown incidence of second primary tumours it is discussed more and more negative. To establish future guidelines, controlled studies or analysis of large populations seem to be necessary.
Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Campus Giessen, Giessen. shachi.j.sharma@hno.med.uni-giessen.de
S J
SJ
Sharma
J J
JJ
Linke
T
T
Kroll
J-P
JP
Klußmann
O
O
Guntinas-Lichius
C
C
Wittekindt
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005858:Germany; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D009382:Neoplasms, Unknown Primary / Q000175:diagnosis; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D010255:Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014600:Utilization Review