The role of transoral surgery in the diagnosis of the carcinoma of unknown origin of the head and neck.
Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023;
31:129-133. [PMID:
36912225 DOI:
10.1097/moo.0000000000000880]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The aim of this article is to update readers on the most recent evidence on the role of trans oral surgery (TOS) in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the unknown primary of the head and neck.
RECENT FINDINGS
Tongue base mucosectomy has an important role in identifying the primary in patients who have had negative imaging, PET CT scans and ipsilateral tonsillectomy. In patients with bilateral nodal disease, tongue base mucosectomy should precede tonsillectomy. There are several unanswered questions that remain regarding sequencing of operations and use of intraoperative frozen section.
SUMMARY
An evidence-based approach to diagnosis is important to ensure the highest detection rates, and least morbidity, in patients with head and neck carcinoma of the unknown primary.
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