THE MANAGEMENT OF SQUAMOUS CELL CANCER OF THE MOUTH AND THROAT

Until chemotherapy is proved more effective in the initial management of squamous cell cancer of the mouth and throat, radiation and surgery will remain the principal treatment modalities. This paper documents a treatment selection process which is used in the Head and Neck Clinic of the Peter MacCallum Hospital. Anatomical resectability, potential of control by radiation, disabilty and deformity produced by surgery, presence of metastases, psychological factors, and concurrent disease, as well as tumour behaviour, are all factors which influence the choice of radiation or surgery, alone, or In combination, in the treatment of each patient.