International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jul 2001
ReviewCervical lymph node metastases from occult squamous cell carcinoma: cut down a tree to get an apple?
To review the value of extended diagnostic work-up procedures and to compare the results of comprehensive or volume-restricted radiotherapy in patients presenting with cervical lymph node metastases from clinically undetectable squamous cell carcinoma. ⋯ Physical examination, CT or MRI, and panendoscopy with biopsies remain the standard work-up for these patients. Routine use of PET or laser-induced fluorescence imaging cannot be firmly advocated based on presently available data. Although combination of nodal dissection with comprehensive radiotherapy yielded most favorable results, its impact on the quality of life should be recognized, and the confounding effects of patient selection for various treatment modalities on therapeutic outcome cannot be ruled out. A randomized trial comparing the therapeutic value of comprehensive vs. volume-limited radiotherapy is being considered.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jul 2001
ReviewCervical lymph node metastases from occult squamous cell carcinoma: cut down a tree to get an apple?
To review the value of extended diagnostic work-up procedures and to compare the results of comprehensive or volume-restricted radiotherapy in patients presenting with cervical lymph node metastases from clinically undetectable squamous cell carcinoma. ⋯ Physical examination, CT or MRI, and panendoscopy with biopsies remain the standard work-up for these patients. Routine use of PET or laser-induced fluorescence imaging cannot be firmly advocated based on presently available data. Although combination of nodal dissection with comprehensive radiotherapy yielded most favorable results, its impact on the quality of life should be recognized, and the confounding effects of patient selection for various treatment modalities on therapeutic outcome cannot be ruled out. A randomized trial comparing the therapeutic value of comprehensive vs. volume-limited radiotherapy is being considered.