Research
Squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsillar remnant - clinical presentation and oncological outcome
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* Corresponding author: Ricard Simo ricard.simo@gstt.nhs.uk
1 Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London. SW3 6JJ. UK
2 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Maze Pond, London. SE1 9RT. UK
3 Department of Clinical Oncology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Maze Pond, London. SE1 9RT. UK
4 Department of Oral Pathology, King's College London & Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Maze Pond, London. SE1 9RT. UK
Head & Neck Oncology 2011, 3:4 doi:10.1186/1758-3284-3-4
Published: 19 January 2011Abstract
Background
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tonsil is the most common malignant tumour of the oropharynx. Paediatric tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in Otorhinolaryngology. SCC of the tonsil remnant (SCCTR) in a previously tonsillectomised patient is rare.
Methods
Retrospective review of patients with SCCTR presenting to the Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Unit January 2000 to December 2007.
Results
Two hundred and fifty patients with tonsil SCC were identified. Ten (4%) of these had previously undergone tonsillectomy in childhood. Nine patients underwent radical treatment including surgery, radiotherapy and in four cases concomitant chemotherapy. Eight patients are alive with no signs of recurrence with follow-up of a minimum of 24 months. One has been lost from follow-up.
Conclusions
Clinicians should be aware that SCC can arise from a tonsillar remnant. SCCTR has similar oncological outcomes as tonsillar tumours.