[Recurrent tumors in the oral and maxillofacial region. Results and treatment strategies in 20 years].

UNLABELLED: SUBJECT MATTER: Following clinical diagnosis of a recurrent tumor, curative treatment is seldom available. Depending on the size of the recurrent tumor and the patient's general health condition, extensive surgical resections and reconstructions are avoided in favor of nonsurgical treatment modalities with palliative intent. According to the literature, location of the tumor, tumor size and R-1 and R-2 resection rates are the most frequent reasons for the development of recurrent tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective evaluation, a population of 1000 patients who had been treated for primary head and neck cancer during the period from 1979 to 1996 were analyzed descriptively. Survival probabilities of patients with recurrent tumors were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method, and different treatment concepts were compared and analyzed with the log-rank test for significant differences.
RESULTS: The largest proportion of primary tumors involved the floor of the mouth (n=369, 36.9%). A total of 198 patients (19.8%) developed recurrent cancer; 79.8% of patients experienced recurrent cancer within 2 years following primary treatment. Within the group of T1/T2 tumors the incidence of recurrent tumors was 28.9%, whereas the incidence in the T3/T4 group was 44.6%. Tumor infiltration of the resection margins was detected in 12.9%.
CONCLUSIONS: In line with the literature, tumor infiltration of the resection margins is a relevant prognostic factor; therefore, intraoperative frozen section must be recommended. Treatment with curative intention, in particular extensive surgical resections, is seldom possible and always requires a very intensive discussion with the patient.