Head and neck cancer surgery in elderly: complications and survival rate

The number of aged patients with head and neck cancer is increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of elderly patients with head and neck cancer undergoing surgery. Retrospective analysis of a series of 1509 consecutive patients separated in two groups regarding their age: younger than 70 and older than 70 years, with head and neck tumors treated surgically was performed. Pre-existent comorbid conditions, immediate and long-term surgical and medical complications were analyzed. Postoperative surgical and medical complications were scored according to their severity. During the ten years period the group of patients older than 70 years comprised of 356 patients, or 23.6%. Primary site tumor distribution was similar in both patients groups. Cancer stage grouping was equally distributed between older patients and the other patients. We found the biggest incidence of postoperative complications for hypopharyngeal, than laryngeal, and oropharyngeal cancer. Swallowing difficulties were documented in 16.5% for hypopharyngeal, 10.0% for laryngeal, and 7.3% for oropharyngeal site. Aspiration was present in 3.1% to 1.8%, respectively. Survival rate was similar for different cancer locations, and was more influenced by the advancement of tumor. Postoperative complications are related to tumor location, and extent of the disease. According to the results of our study head and neck cancer in elderly should be treated by conventional protocols.