Evaluation and Management of the Unknown Primary Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Authors:
Chad E. Galer From the Departments of Thoracic/Head and Neck Surgery and Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

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Merrill S. Kies From the Departments of Thoracic/Head and Neck Surgery and Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

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Volume/Issue:
Volume 6: Issue 10
Online Publication Date:
Nov 2008
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6004/jnccn.2008.0080
Full access

Squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin in the head and neck is encountered as a recurring clinical problem in head and neck cancer clinics, affecting 3% to 25% of patients. This article describes the clinical presentation, appropriate evaluation, and treatment strategies for this important subgroup. Treatment—best carried out with multidisciplinary teams of specialists experienced in the care of head and neck cancer patients—is curative for most of these patients.

Correspondence: Merrill S. Kies, MD, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Unit 432, P.O. Box 301402, Houston, TX 77230-1402. E-mail: mkies@mdanderson.org
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Print ISSN:
1540-1405
Online ISSN:
1540-1413
Publisher:
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Cover Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
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Copyright:
Copyright © 2008 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Page Numbers:
8
Article Category:
Research Article
Received:
30 May 2008
Accepted:
02 Jul 2008
Print Publication Date:
01 Nov 2008
Online Publication Date:
Nov 2008
Keywords:
Squamous cell carcinoma; head and neck; unknown primary; extracapsular spread; metastasis

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