[Surgical treatment and reconstruction for the patients with advanced-stage tonsillar cancer].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the operative approach and reconstruction for the patients with advanced-stage tonsillar cancer.

METHOD: 7 cases with advanced-stage tonsillar cancer were operated from Dec. 1994 to May 1999. Among them, 5 cases were operated through combined neck-mandible-oral cavity approach (CNMOCA) and with immediate reconstruction. Forearm free skin (FFS) flaps were applied in 3 cases. Pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMM) flaps were applied in 2 cases. 2 other cases were operated separately through approach of oral cavity or lateral pharynx. 6 cases were operated with radical neck dissection.

RESULT: 5 cases who were operated through CNMOCA or with reconstruction were followed up from 1 year to 5 years and 3 months. They had not recurrence of tumor and complication. All had function recovery of speech. Swallowing or appearance is satisfactory in the 3 cases with FFS flaps. 2 Other cases died as recurrence of tumor in 1 year and 2 years and 10 months post-operation.

CONCLUSION

CNMOCA is able to provide a good exposure method to remove the extensive tumors completely for the patients with advanced stage tonsillar cancer. It is necessary to reconstruct immediately for the patients.