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Erschienen in:
01.05.2014 | Original Article
Cervical metastases of squamous cell carcinoma of the maxilla: a retrospective study of 25 years
Erschienen in: Clinical Oral Investigations | Ausgabe 4/2014
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Objectives
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the maxilla are relatively rare; therefore, only little data is available regarding the frequency of cervical metastasis (CM) and therapy strategies. Most authors only undertake clinical observation of the lymph nodes. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the manner of metastasis in SCC of the maxilla.
Materials and methods
All patient records from 1987 to 2011 were scanned for SCC of the maxilla. Patients with SCC limited to the maxilla were comprised. The cases were analyzed regarding tumor node metastasis staging system and any special occurrences in the follow-up time such as tumor recurrence, metastasis, and exitus letalis. Classification and staging were performed according to the 2003 UICC system.
Results
One hundred thirty-eight patients were comprised of 36 % females and 64 % males (average age, 66 years; women, 71 years; men, 63 years). The average follow-up time was 43 months (range, 0–195). Fifty-eight percent smoked or declared regular consumption of alcohol. About 50 % of the patients had an advanced tumor stage (III–IV). At the time of the primary diagnosis, 38 % of the patients had CM. There is an increased risk for CM occurrence with increasing tumor size and grading and a tumor localized in the postcanine region. Contralateral CM arises frequently in T4 tumors and tumors localized in the postcanine region.
Conclusion
The data exhibit aggressive regional metastatic behavior of SCC of the maxilla.
Clinical relevance
Therefore, surgical treatment of the draining lymphatic system as a primary management strategy is recommended for patients with SCC of the maxilla.