SIGNIFICANCE OF TUMOR THICKNESS IN SOFT PALATE CARCINOMA

Tumor thickness is an important prognostic factor in tumors outside of the upper aerodigestive tract, such as cutaneous melanoma, colorectal carcinoma, and cervical carcinoma. Some studies have also suggested t hat tumor thickness may have similar prognostic value in the upper aer odigestive tract. This study examined the relationship between tumor t hickness (measured with an ocular micrometer) and nodal disease and th at between tumor thickness and survival in 44 patients with soft palat e epidermoid carcinoma. There was a significant correlation between tu mor thickness and nodal disease. None of the 24 lesions less than or e qual to 2.86 mm had cervical adenopathy. All of the 15 lesions greater than or equal to 3.12 mm had palpable adenopathy. Tumor thickness cor related more directly with nodal disease than did T stage. Thicker les ions were associated with poorer survival. Tumor thickness is an impor tant parameter in the head and neck and deserves further study.