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Updated: Feb 7, 2026
Porcine As a Training Module for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction
Published on: September 29, 2018
An evaluation of the diagnostic methods in head and neck cancer of unknown primary site
Katri Aro1, Leif Bäck1, Antti Mäkitie1,2
1a Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery , Helsinki University Central Hospital , Helsinki , Finland.
Background:
Various detection methods to identify the primary in head and neck cancer of unknown primary (HN-CUP) require evaluation to improve and standardize management.
Objectives:
To evaluate the use of different diagnostic methods, which aim at decreasing the incidence of HN-CUP.
Material And Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with HN-CUP at the Helsinki University Hospital during 1995-2011. We evaluated clinical assessment, definitive treatment, histopathology, and follow up. We analyzed the success in identifying the primary site to show any changes in diagnostic methods over time.
Results:
Frequency of HN-CUP and success in identifying the primary site have remained constant despite the addition of PET-CT and determination of human papilloma virus (HPV) status in diagnostics. Among 133 patients, the diagnostic work up identified the primary site in 53% and the oropharynx predominated (69%). This left 85 patients with HN-CUP and 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 71 and 69%, respectively.
Conclusions:
Panendoscopy including tonsillectomy should not be omitted in the work up.
Significance:
We demonstrate a steady frequency of HN-CUP and constant success in identifying the primary site. Detection of a primary later in the follow up did not impact the survival.
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