[Lymphatic node-metastasis of the neck in unknown primary tumour (author's transl)]

27 patients with the diagnosis "unknown primary tumour" and lymphatic node-metastasis of the neck were treated within 20 years. These are 11,7% of all neck dissections. In 18 patients the seat of the carcinoma could be found later, especially in the Glandula parotis, in the hypopharynx and in the ground of the tongue. To find the primary tumour the scintigraphy of salivary glands and of the Glandula thyroidea and a careful endoscopy have to be done. The best results of treatment are established after combined surgical-radiological therapy with neck dissection. These patients are free of recurrences on an average of 2,6 years.