Surgical approach for T1 - T2 oropharyngeal cancers

Abstract

According to NCCN guideline, the treatment modality of T1-2, N0-1 oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) includes the definitive radiation therapy, the excision of the primary and neck dissection, and the chemoradiation (only for T1-2, N1 ). We report the operation indication and the surgical approach for T1-2, N0-1 oropharyngeal cancers. Twenty - eight OPC patients were treated at Tokai University hospital. Surgery was indicated for 14 (TLO for 6, lower cheek flap approach for 7, and mandibularswing approach for 1). Other 14 cases underwent radiation therapy. Five year disease specific survival rate was 100% in surgery group, and 69% for radiation group. Minimally invasive surgery and open surgery with Gehanno's reconstruction were effective for the function preserving treatment.