CARCINOMA OF THE SOFT PALATE AND ANTERIOR TONSILLAR PILLAR

The results after treatment of a total of 52 patients between 1974 and 1990 for squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate and anterior tons illar pillar by surgery, radiotherapy, or a combination of the two are reported in the present study. Of the 45 patients who were treated fo r cure, 38 were treated by surgery, followed by radiotherapy in 19 pat ients (50%). Five patients received definitive radiotherapy only, and 2 were treated by other modalities such as intra-arterial methotrexate and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Absolute and determinant 5-year survi val rates were 62% and 77%, respectively. Sixty-four percent of patien ts survived 5 years recurrence-free, and 27% developed multiple primar y tumors in the head and neck. Tumor stages III and IV were shown to d ecrease survival by half compared to stages I and II. A 42% occult nod al metastases rate was observed, and 3 of 11 patients experienced regi onal relapse in an untreated neck. From this review it appears that su rgery, combined with postoperative radiotherapy when indicated, is an effective form of treatment for carcinoma of the soft palate and anter ior tonsillar pillar.