ROLE OF IRRADIATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMAS OF THE MOUTH AND THROAT

Fundamental precepts of radiation biology are presented to provide a basis for the comprehension of radiotherapy. These precepts include cell viability, randomness of cell killing by irradiation, the influence of molecular oxygen on radiosensitivity, phases of the cell cycle, and repopulation. The combined‐treatment concept is developed, and preoperative and postoperative irradiation options, as well as the optimal extent of the surgical procedure, are discussed. These principles of combined treatment are first applied to the management of neck disease, which is a common denominator to all sites. The anatomic sites of the mouth and throat are then discussed. The capabilities of radiotherapy have greatly altered treatment planning for carcinomas of the mouth and throat; one must now develop an initial overall plan that varies with the extent and anatomic site of the primary lesion, the extent of neck disease, and the probability of spread to clinically uninvolved lymphatic areas. Copyright © 1979 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company