[Tonsillar carcinoma--clinical assessment and analysis of treatment results]

The aim of the study was an evaluation of the clinical signs and treatment results of the patients with tonsillar cancer treated in the ENT Clinic Medical University in Łódź during 10 years (1985-1994). In this study we analysed retrospectively the data of 40 subjects (52% of all group 76 patients). Twenty four patients (55%) had tumor with T3-T4 stage and 21 patients (52.5%)--palpable lymph neck nodes. The most frequent treatment modality was combined therapy (surgery with radio/chemotherapy) introduced in 25 persons (62.5%), surgery alone was performed in 10 cases (25%). Distant metastases developed in 6 patients (15%) and the second primary neoplasm in 5 patients (12.5%). We obtained 30% five years survival rate. We stress the importance of careful clinical assessment before planning the treatment.