[Cervical-lymph node metastasis of unknown primary tumour (author's transl)]

The therapeutical results of 39 patients with cervical lymph node metastasis of unknown primary tumour are presented. 34 patients received radiotherapy, 2 chemotherapy, and in 2 cases the metastasis was only excised. In 22 patients the radiotherapy consisted of homogenic irradiation of the neck, in 12 patients the area of tumour manifestation was irradiated with a dosis ranging from 4000 to 6000 rad. The cumulative survival rate of all the patients was 64% after one year and 30% after 4 years. Ninety one per cent of the patients who were without symptoms after the therapy, survived this time interval. All patients without therapeutical success died. The median survival time of all patients was 20 months. In 21 patients the primary tumour was found later. In 13 cases (62%) the tumour was located in the head and neck region. In 7 patients the histology of the tumour had to be changed.