[Cancer metastases to the cervical lymph nodes in an unknown primary location of the tumor]

Out of 120 patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of metastases to the cervical lymph nodes and unknown primary location of the tumor, tumors were detected in 29 and lymphosarcoma in 10. In 24 (82.7%) patients the tumor was located in the upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. Malignant tumors of the naso- and stomatopharynx and vestibular part of the larynx most often metastasize into the lymph nodes. Radiotherapy was administered to all 81 patients with metastases and unknown location of the primary tumor and to 10 patients with lymphosarcoma of the cervical lymph nodes. The protocol of radiotherapy took account of the site of the metastases and probable primary tumor. A radical course provides cure in 15% of cases, as shown by follow-up of at least 2 years.