Surgical management of squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate: factors predictive of outcome.

BACKGROUND

Squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate (SCCSP) is uncommon. The aim of this study was to report our experience and identify factors predictive of outcome.

METHODS

Between 1976 and 2005, 186 patients with SCCSP were treated with curative intent. In all, 150 patients had primary surgery, of whom 112 patients (75%) had cT1/T2 tumors and 103 patients (69%) had cN0 necks. Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method and factors predictive of outcome were identified.

RESULTS

Five-year OS, DSS, and RFS for surgical patients were, respectively, 52%, 71%, and 56%. DSS for cT1T2N0 and cT1T2N+ were 79% and 56%, respectively. For OS and DSS, multivariate analysis showed cN classification was predictive of outcome. For RFS and distant RFS, margin status was a significant predictor, whereas the cT classification was a significant predictor for local RFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes of patients with early-stage SCCSP managed by surgery were excellent. These patients may be suitable for transoral robotic or endoscopic surgical procedures.