Carcinoma of the tonsillar region. A review of 78 cases

The results of treatment of 78 patients with carcinoma of the tonsillar region treated in the Rotterdam Radiotherapy Institute in the period of 1970 to 1980 are discussed. Patients were classified according to UICC criteria [16]. An increasing local recurrence rate was noted with increasing T-category. The incidence of distant metastasis was higher in patients with nodal metastasis. Overall 5-year survival was 35%, intercurrent death corrected survival 53%. A strong correlation was present between stage and survival. Patients of 60 years or younger had a significant better prognosis than older patients; this was seen in every stage group. Infiltration at the base of the tongue decreased prognosis. Patients in whom induction therapy was given with intravenous methotrexate prior to irradiation did not show a better survival than those without such chemotherapy.