Cervical Metastasis of the Occult Primary Carcinoma

Abstract

Eight occult primary carcinomas were reported and discussed clinicopathologically. Cancer of the nasopharynx, thyroid gland and biliary duct are occasionally lanthanic. Approximately twenty per cent of masses in the neck are metastasis of cancer. Extirpation of the pathological lymph node which will represent the lesion in the neck should be of most importance to make the exact diagnosis for the patient.
As the occult primary tumor is usually small and has no local sign, general physical examination of the whole body and scintigram are necessary. Even if the cervical metastasis of cancer was found, the adequate and radical treatment should be given without resignation because the patient has some possibility to survive for long period. Generally, radiation therapy for primary cancer in the head and neck and radical neck dissection for cervical metastasis are employed.