SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMA OF THE SOFT PALATE AND UVULA

Squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate and uvula is an uncommon tumor; only 68 cases were seen at the University of Virginia Hospital from 1956 through March 1975. The characteristics of these tumors and their clinical features are presented together with the results of treatment and survival analyzed by stage and treatment modality. A minimum follow-up of 2 years was available in all cases. Failures at the primary site in T1 and T2 lesions were 1 21 (5%) for radiotherapy, 1 9 (11%) for surgery and 1 5 (20%) for combined radiotherapy and surgery. For T3 and T4 lesions the failure rate for radiotherapy was 2 11 (18%); for combined radiotherapy and surgery, it was 1 3 (33%); and for combined Methotrexate and radiotherapy, it was 10 12 (83%). The incidence of metastases and second primary tumors are detailed and the contribution to survival of these together with intercurrent disease has been analyzed. From this review it appears that radiotherapy is an effective form of treatment for carcinomas of the soft palate and uvula. © 1979.