ELECTIVE IRRADIATION OF THE NECK LYMPHATICS FOR SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS OF THE NASOPHARYNX AND OROPHARYNX

Abstract

1. Eight of 469 patients (1.7 per cent) developed new nodal disease in an electively irradiated area. 2. Nineteen of 185 patients (10.2 per cent) with partial neck irradiation developed new nodal disease in a marginally irradiated or unirradiated area. 3. A tissue dose of 4,500 to 5,000 rads tumor dose in 5 weeks is proposed for the irradiation of elective areas. This dose produces no complications or even minor sequelae. 4. Whole neck irradiation is indicated for squamous cell carcinomas of the nasopharynx, tonsillar fossa, base of tongue, and N₂ and N₃ of the palatine arch.