Transcervico-mandibulo-palatal approach for surgical salvage of recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND

Local relapse of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a difficult problem of management that is usually treated by re-irradiation. Surgical salvage is rarely offered, judging by the paucity of reports in the literature.

METHODS

This article reviews the six previously described methods of performing nasopharyngectomy and recounts experience with a series of seven patients using a transcervico-mandibulo-palatal approach, which is described.

RESULTS

The results of this small series show survivorship and morbidity which seem to compare favorably with other published surgical treatment options.

CONCLUSIONS

If retreatment with radiotherapy is not favored, the transcervico-mandibulo-palatal approach may be a suitable method of surgical salvage for small, locally recurrent, nasopharyngeal cancer.