Upper alveolar carcinoma--a 30 year survey

Primary malignancy of the upper alveolus is an infrequent type of intra-oral carcinoma. This study reviews in detail 50 patients with a primary tumor of the upper alveolus who were treated at the Cancer Control Agency of British Columbia and Vancouver area hospitals, between 1940-1970 inclusive. Sixteen per cent had exposure to possible industrial carcinogens; 34 per cent had previous leukoplakia. The common presenting symptoms were pain (78 per cent) and swelling (64 per cent). Only 22 per cent had tumors confined to the upper alveolus. Fifty-two per cent had extensive lesions (i.e. T3 and T4). Twenty-six per cent had palpable cervical lymph nodes with potential metastatic disease. Treatment consisted of surgery, radiotherapy, or a combination of both. Complications are detailed. The five year survival rate is 44 per cent; and the 10 year survival rate 24 per cent. Treatment rationale is discussed.