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.
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.