Combined treatment of cancer of the posterior oral cavity and oropharynx.

Ninety composite resections were carried out as primary treatment for a squamous carcinoma of the tonsillar region between 1970 and 1978. All patients have been followed-up for at least 3 years, except for 5 who have been lost to follow-up. All patients received postoperative radiotherapy (between 50 Gy and 65 Gy depending on the tumour resection status). Sixty-one patients received preoperative chemotherapy and 42% had clinical reduction of tumour size. The overall survival was 45.5% at 3 years and 43% at 5 years. Local recurrences were the most frequent oncological failure (25%). Tumours classed T3, insufficient tumour resection and lymph node invasion had poor prognostic value. We emphasize the necessity for primary surgery with preoperative chemotherapy and postoperative radiotherapy for squamous carcinoma of the posterior oral cavity and oropharynx.