Chemodectomas of the neck: the response to radiotherapy.

In the 16 year period 1965-81, 12 patients with head and neck chemodectomas received radiotherapy. In only 1 patient did the tumour fail to respond, due to metastases, and 9 showed complete resolution of the tumour. As this form of treatment is associated with few complications, we conclude that it is the treatment of choice in those patients who are unfit for surgery and those whose tumours are technically unresectable.