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ABSTRACT Background Acoustic evaluation of speech is the least explored method of speech evaluation in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore acoustic parameters of speech and their correlation with questionnaire evaluation and perceptual evaluation in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. Methods One hundred seventeen subjects (65 consecutive patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer and 52 controls) participated in this study. Formant frequencies (by Linear Predictive Coding), Speech Handicap Index, and London Speech Evaluation scale were used for acoustic evaluation, questionnaire evaluation, and perceptual evaluation, respectively. Results Men showed significant elevation in second formant (F2) values for patients with oral cavity cancer and those who underwent surgery alone. Female patients with early T classification cancers and those who underwent surgery and chemoradiation showed significant reduction in the mean F2 values. Importantly, however, acoustic evaluation parameters did not correlate with either perceptual evaluation or questionnaire evaluation parameters, although there was moderate correlation between questionnaire evaluation and perceptual evaluation speech parameters. Conclusion Acoustic evaluation modalities have no clear role in the management of patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 670-676, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Carcinoma is a rare complication of pharyngeal diverticula. There is a paucity of information about its incidence, presentation, management, and treatment outcomes. A systematic review and analysis of all reported cases has been carried out. Methods A comprehensive literature search for pharyngeal diverticula carcinoma was performed from 1896 to 2008. Descriptive analyses were carried out by analyzing the absolute and relative frequencies. Comparison of groups was illustrated with Kaplan-Meier curves and tested statistically using the log-rank test. A cohort of 56 patients with benign pharyngeal diverticula was selected for comparison with the accumulated cohort of pharyngeal diverticula carcinoma, and a Fisher's exact test was carried out on the extracted clinical characteristics of this cohort to evaluate for differences between benign and malignant pharyngeal diverticula. Results Forty-three articles reporting 60 cases satisfied the inclusion criteria. The mean age at presentation was 68.8 years (SD = 9.8 years). Five-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates for patients who underwent excision alone, excision + postoperative radiotherapy (PORT), and radiotherapy alone were 0.74 versus 0.63 versus 0.0, respectively ( p = .39). Five-year CSS rates of patients <65 versus ≥65 years were 0.43 versus 0.78, respectively ( p = .046). Conclusion Irregular symptoms in benign diverticula should raise suspicion of malignancy. Management consists of surgical excision ± PORT. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1368-1375, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Squamous cell carcinoma involving the oral cavity (OC) and oropharynx regions are a major cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide. The recent discovery of a strong association between human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and OC and oropharyngeal (OP) cancer has prompted world-wide research into the exact etiology and pathogenesis of these cancers in relation to the HPV. HPV-positive OC/OP cancers generally present at a relatively advanced stage (by virtue of cervical nodal involvement) and are more commonly seen in younger patients without significant exposure to alcohol or tobacco. These factors are implicated in prognosis, regardless of HPV association. In this article, we review the biology and epidemiology, risk factors, association, molecular analyses, treatment response and prognosis of HPV-related cancers. Role of HPV vaccination in HPV-related OC/OP cancers has also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed at evaluating patients' swallowing functions by a newly validated swallow-specific questionnaire, the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ), in a cohort of oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients. Mean/median SSQ scores were calculated and compared with study variables using the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test. The mean composite SSQ scores (SD) for the base of tongue, oral tongue, and tonsillar cancer patients were 663.8 (382.8), 456.2 (407.6), and 283.0 (243.1), respectively ( p = 0.005); for advanced vs. early T stage disease they were 918.1 (319.5) vs. 344.8 (292.1) ( p ≤ 0.001); for patients <60 years vs. ≥60 years they were 549.3 (415.1) vs. 314.0 (247.3) ( p = 0.02); and for patients with reconstruction vs. without reconstruction they were 676.5 (410.5) vs. 331.9 (286.5) ( p = 0.002). SSQ is a useful tool for evaluation of swallowing in head and neck cancer patients. Site of cancer, T stage, patient's age, and reconstruction directly affect post-treatment swallow outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are insufficient data on swallowing and the consequences of its dysfunction in patients with cancers of the oral cavity (OC) and oropharynx (OP) that are treated with primary surgery. The study attempts to explore the effect of important clinico-demographic variables on post-treatment swallowing and related quality of life (QOL) in post-surgical OC and OP cancer patients. Sixty-two consecutive OC and OP cancer patients completed the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire. Mean scores were computed. Comparison of scores based on mean ranks were performed using Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test. Level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.02. Adjustments were made for multiple comparisons. Significantly worse mean (SD) QOL scores were observed in late T-stage (T3/T4) versus early T-stage (T1/T2) patients for global domain, physical domain, functional domain and emotional domains [44.4 (21.9) vs. 78.7 (22.7) ( P < 0.001); 50.0 (9.4) vs. 75.9 (16.3), ( P < 0.0001); 57.8 (20.6) vs. 84.1 (16.7), ( P < 0.001) and 55.2 (18.0) vs. 78.5 (16.3), ( P < 0.001)], respectively. Patients undergoing reconstruction versus without reconstruction had worse QOL scores; 58.8 (26.9) versus 79.5 (22.8), ( P < 0.01); 61.2 (15.1) versus 76.4 (17.5), ( P = 0.002); 65.4 (20.5) versus 86.3 (15.9), ( P < 0.0001) and 63.3 (18.8) versus 79.8 (16.3), ( P < 0.01), respectively, for global, physical, functional and emotional domains. Advanced T-stage, reconstruction, younger age and base of tongue tumours have a negative impact on post-treatment swallow function and related QOL in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed a series of adults with an implanted voice prosthesis that had malfunctioned and required removal as a result of the attachment and growth of microorganisms. Our goal was to determine the characteristics of these colonizing microbes. We swabbed the esophageal side of each prosthesis to obtain microbial flora for analysis with standard culture media. In all, we studied 22 prostheses in 18 patients (3 patients had received multiple prostheses). We found mixed contamination (both yeast and bacteria) in 19 of the 22 cultures (86.4%); the other 3 cultures yielded bacteria only, and there was no instance of yeast only. The most common yeast isolated was Candida albicans (68.2% of cultures), and the most common bacterium was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (63.6%). The average lifetime of the prostheses was 201 days (~6 mo, 3 wk). This study, which was the first of its kind in India, revealed that the microbial picture here was different from that found in previously reported studies of European populations. We presume the differences are attributable to different lifestyles and dietary habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to explore the impact of important clinico-demographic factors on the post-treatment quality of life (QOL) in surgically treated oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients. 63 consecutive follow-up oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients treated primarily with surgery were recruited. 55 patients sent the completed questionnaires and finally included in this study. QOL and important sub-domains of the QOL were assessed. Mean QOL scores (SD) were computed, level of significance was set at P < 0.05. The mean composite QOL score and standard deviation (SD) for oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients were 76.6 (15.2) and 73.4 (13.9), respectively. Patients with higher T-stage (T3 and T4) and higher overall-stage (III and IV) had lower mean QOL scores as against early T (T1 and T2) and overall early-stage (I and II); mean scores (SD) 64.3 (13.6) and 72.3 (13.8), and 76.6 (13.6) and 81.7 (14.1), respectively. Younger patients had lower mean scores (SD) than older patients; mean QOL scores (SD) 69.7 (14.0) and 79.6 (SD), respectively. Patients with reconstruction had lower mean QOL scores as compared to those without reconstruction; mean scores (SD) 67.6 (16.0) and 77.4 (12.5), respectively. In conclusion, tumor-stage, overall-stage, age of patients, and reconstruction had a significant direct effect on the post-treatment QOL of oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of this study was to develop and validate the first ever speech-specific perceptual speech-evaluation tool for patients with head and neck cancer. Methods Five speech parameters (intelligibility, articulation, speech rate, nasality, and asthenia) and overall grade were included and evaluated. Speech samples of 117 subjects were recorded on electroglottograph equipment using a standard protocol and were independently judged and rated by 3 experienced speech and language therapists and re-rated 12 weeks apart. Results Among patients the Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficients for internal consistency for connected speech were 0.89, whereas for single words the α coefficients ranged between 0.80 and 0.84. The Spearman's correlation coefficients for intra-rater reliability for connected speech and words varied between 0.30 and 0.90 and 0.49 and 0.76, respectively, whereas for inter-rater reliability the coefficients ranged between 0.53 and 0.99 and 0.56 and 0.99, respectively. For construct validity, the Spearman's correlation coefficient ranged between 0.41 and 0.55. Conclusions The London Speech Evaluation (LSE) scale demonstrated a high reliability and validity in our cohort of patients with head and neck cancer. surgery. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chordomas are midline tumors of notochordal origin, occurring anywhere from the skull base to the coccyx. Although one-third of chordomas occur in the sphenooccipital region, to our knowledge only 1 case of jugular foramen chordoma with unusual extension into the neck has been reported in the literature to date. A 21-yearold woman presented with a 3-year history of a large neck mass and partly compensated lower cranial nerve symptoms of insidious onset. Imaging revealed a tumor involving the posterior cranial fossa and carotid space, with widening and erosion of the jugular foramen. Characteristic histopathologic findings and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis. The tumor was removed by a combined retrosigmoid and lateral cervical approach. The patient was disease free 18 months after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Posttreatment speech problems are seen in nearly half of patients with head and neck cancer. Although there are many voice-specific scales, surprisingly there is no speech-specific questionnaire for English-speaking patients with head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to validate the Speech Handicap Index (SHI) as the first speech-specific questionnaire in the English language. Method. In all, 55 consecutive patients in follow-up for oral and oropharyngeal cancer completed the SHI and University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UWQOL V.04). Thirty-two patients completed both questionnaires again 4 weeks later to address test-retest reliability. Results. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and group validity of the SHI were found to be highly significant (p < .01) using Cronbach's alpha, Spearman's correlation coefficient (r), and Mann-Whitney U tests. Conclusions. The SHI is a precise, highly reliable, and valid speech assessment tool for patients with head and neck cancer. Further dedicated studies using the SHI in patients with head and neck cancer would be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood head and neck cancers are relatively uncommon. Of all head and neck cancers occurring in children, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is the most common, others being rhabdomyosarcoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In the head and neck region, sinuses are the second commonest primary site of NHL after neck lymph nodes. These can be of several different types depending on the predominant cell type and histologic appearance, the most common histological variant being diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In an attempt to simplify the classification and to develop a universally acceptable classification and staging, they have been classified and staged numerous times over the last three decades, adding more confusion to the topic. Clinical presentations vary according to the histological type. The low grade lymphomas present with a nasal cavity or para-nasal sinus mass associated with obstructive symptoms and/or lymphadenopathy, while high grade lymphomas present with aggressive signs and symptoms including non-healing ulcer, epistaxis, septal perforation and bony destruction. The primary treatment consists of chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy, which is able to achieve remission in two-third of the patients, however, prognosis remains poor with cumulative five-year survival rates at about 30% for all the types of sino-nasal NHLs. Newer targeted therapy (monoclonal antibodies) and combination therapies (including stem cells) are currently being tested in order to improve survival rates in these patients. This article aims at providing an overview of clinico-epidemiologic characteristics, staging system currently in use, management, prognosis and possibilities of future research in the field of childhood sinonasal NHLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the case of a 23-year-old woman with aggressive fibromatosis of the oropharynx that was initially treated elsewhere as a peritonsillar abscess. We discuss the characteristics of this rare tumor and review the literature, stressing the importance of postoperative follow-up for peritonsillar abscesses to avoid missing other important diagnoses, such as the one described here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To use an electroglottography (EGG)-based videostroboscopy tool to assess the anatomical and morphologic characteristics of the pharyngoesophageal (PE) segment in tracheoesophageal (TO) speakers. Study design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Subjects: Fifty-two post-laryngectomy patients with no recurrence and using prosthetic (Blom-Singer) speech. Intervention: An electroglottography (EGG)-based videostroboscopy tool EGG-based rigid videostroboscopy as well as perceptual evaluation. outcome Measures: Stroboscopic protocol included nine subjective/visual parameters to evaluate the neoglottis and study correlation of the G (GRBAS scale) and the overall voice quality (OVQ) with the treatment variables. Results: Of the 52 laryngectomees, videostroboscopic recordings were possible in 46 patients (36 males and 10 females) with a mean age of 63.4 ±10.5 (SD) an electroglottography (EGG)-based videostroboscopy tool years. All used the Blom-Singer valve and the median time since Total Laryngectomy was 2 years. The neoglottis was assessable in 26 patients. We were able to strobe only 9 patients. There was excellent correlation between G and OVQ (Spearman rho > 0.9). Statistically significant correlation was found between G1 and saliva (P = 0.03) and between good OVQ and saliva (P = 0.02); similarly, there was significant correlation between G1 and LVV (P = 0.05) and between good OVQ and LVV (P = 0.03). Conclusions: This study is the first to examine the use of an EGG-based stroboscopy instrument to evaluate TO speech. Our observations suggest that from the standpoint of functional voice, saliva and the LVV had statistically significant effect in determining voice quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total laryngectomy or laryngopharyngectomy remains the procedure of choice for advanced-stage (UICC T3 and T4) laryngeal carcinoma around the world despite advances in conservative laryngeal surgery and radiotherapy. However, it has profound effects on respiration and deglutition, in addition to the most disabling effect--the loss of verbal communication. Successful voice restoration can be attained with any of three speech options, namely esophageal speech, electrolarynx, and tracheoesophageal (TO) speech using an artificial valve. Although, no single method is considered the best for every patient, the tracheoesophageal puncture has become the preferred method in the past decade. Several types of voice prostheses have been produced since the first prosthesis was introduced in 1980 by Blom and Singer. However, eventually all prostheses are confronted by the same problem, i.e., the development of a biofilm, leading to deterioration and ultimately to dysfunction of the prostheses, necessitating replacement. This article attempts to sum up the historical background as well as the current state of surgical voice rehabilitation following laryngectomy; we review the recent major advances as well as the future prospects. Data was collected by conducting a computer-aided search of the MEDLINE and PubMed databases, supplemented by hand searches of key journals. Over 50 articles published in the last three decades on the topic have been reviewed, out of which about 20 were found to be of relevance for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-seven total laryngectomy patients (19 males and 8 females) and 18 normal control subjects (10 males and 8 females) were subjected to electroglottography-based single voice recordings using sustained vowels and connected speech. The results showed poorer values and larger variability for all the voice measures for the total laryngectomy patients (TO speech) as compared to that of normal subjects. There were statistically significant differences (p<0.05) for all study parameters between the TO and normal speech. This study shows that robust and reliable data can be obtained using electroglottography in laryngectomees with both a sustained vowel and connected speech. Using these parameters, TO speech is significantly different from normal speech and is highly variable. This methodology has enormous potential for further investigations in laryngectomees and other patients with head and neck cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To compare voice quality as defined by formant analysis using a sustained vowel in patients who have undergone a partial glossectomy with a group of normal subjects. Methods & Procedures: The design consisted of a single centre, cross-sectional cohort study. The setting was an Adult Tertiary Referral Unit. A total of 26 patients (19 males) who underwent partial glossectomy and 31 normal volunteers (18 males) participated in the study. Group comparisons using the first three formant frequencies (F1, F2 and F3) using linear predictive coding (Laryngograph Ltd, London, UK) were performed. The existence of any significant difference of F1, F2 and F3 between the two groups using the sustained vowel /i/ and the effects of other factors, namely age, first presentation versus recurrence, site (oral cavity, oropharynx), subsite (anterior two-thirds of the tongue, tongue base), stage, radiation, complication, and neck dissection, were analysed. Outcomes & Results: Formant frequencies F1, F2 and F3 were normally distributed. F1 and F2 were significantly different in normal males versus females. F1, F2 and F3 were not different statistically between male and female glossectomees. Comparison of only women showed significant differences between normal subjects and patients in F2 and F3, but none in F1. This was the opposite in men where F1 was significantly different. Age, tumour presentation, site, subsite, radiation and neck dissection showed no significant difference. Postoperative complications significantly affected the F1 formant frequency. Conclusions: The study found that the formant values in patients following a partial glossectomy were altered significantly as compared with the normal control subjects. Only gender and complications and not the age, site, subsite, radiation and neck dissection were seen to influence the formant scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on effective treatment protocols for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oral cavity (OC) and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). It mentions that HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, and changing of sexual practices that may increase the effect of HPV infection on the development of OPCs in younger adults. Moreover, radiotherapy (RT) group is treated with RT and surgery and will receive post-operative RT (PORT) while the non-RT group only treated with surgery alone.

Optimal care of patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) involves a pre-determined period of post-treatment follow-up for the detection of recurrent or persistent disease, metastases and second primaries at the earliest opportunity. There is little evidence in literature as to whether the surveillance schemes should be based on patient survival, quality of life or cost-adjusted parameters. This article aims at highlighting some of the issues pertinent to the optimization of surveillance strategies in HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on a accumulated evidence revealing that tumor growth and propagation are dependent on a subset of cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs). He believes that the identification and characterization of the CSCs through molecular markers can contribute in formulating effective targeted therapies as well as prevent tumor recurrences. He also stresses that CSCs are obtained from the normal stem cells of the body which played a crucial role in an organogenesis of an individual.

Primary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) is now considered to be the preferred method for voice rehabilitation after laryngectomy . The traditional method of creating a puncture with a no. 11 stab knife often leads to an eccentric puncture with irregular ragged margin, leading to scarring in the future. In this report we describe the innovative way of creating a TEP using a carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser. This novel method of using a laser for the creation of a precise TEP could, perhaps, influence peri-prosthetic leakage and lead to better voice rehabilitation for patients that have undergone laryngectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reflect on the significance and prognostic implication of comorbidity in head and neck cancer. They comment that the use of the validated comorbidity scales can provide clinical yield for better management of head and neck cancer patients. They emphasize the importance of focused monitoring on the existence of multiple comorbid conditions in cancer patients. In addition, they suggest the proper evaluation of the cumulative effects of the disease as well as its dynamics.

Mucosal melanoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is seldom encountered in routine ENT practice. These tumors have poor prognosis owing to higher rates of locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis. Various treatment modalities have been employed over time but the ideal treatment approach still remains an open issue. This article presents some commonly accepted guidelines in treating these rare mucosal neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of a 39-year-old female patient with acute stridor due to a large tumor located at the level of the upper third of her thoracic esophagus. Parathyroid gland tumors are unusual in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal tumors. This tumor was removed via a thoracocervical approach, which offers multiple advantages when used for tumors in this location. The eventual diagnosis on histology was parathyroid adenoma. The patient had no clinical evidence of metabolic abnormalities and her pre- and postoperative calcium and postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were within normal limits. This case poses the interesting question of whether identification of elevated PTH levels is an absolute prerequisite for diagnosing parathyroid adenomas. It is an example of a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of life (QOL) is a multidimensional construct that minimally includes broadly defined assessments of the physical, psychological, and social domains of functioning. However, measuring this QOL is complicated by the fact that there are many different validated questionnaires available. In India, with people now wanting self-directed care and greater autonomy, we must direct increased efforts towards QOL and its assessment. We propose the Assessment, Translation & Validation, Application and Audit method to increase the use of QOL scales in our country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a high incidence of hypopharyngeal cancer is our country due to the habits of tobacco and alcohol. Moreover these cases are often detected in the late stages thereby making the issue of reconstruction very tedious and unpredictable. There are a number of options for laryngopharyngeal reconstruction available now including the use of microvascular flaps depending upon the patient's fitness, motivation, technical expertise, size and extent of the defect. This article reviews the different methods of laryngopharyngeal repair as regards their success rate, radiation tolerance, morbidity & mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the speech and voice rehabilitation of post laryngectomy. It notes that voice restoration through voice prosthesis is based on the surgical establishment of a tracheoesophageal puncture maintained by silicon one-way valve. It points out that successful alaryngeal speakers' voice restoration can be obtained with electrolarynx, esophageal speech, or tracheoesophageal (TE).

The author comments on the significance of robotic surgery in head and neck cancer surgeries. The authors believe that the technique is advantageous to both cancer patients and to hospitals because it offers less blood loss, small incisions, minimal tissue damage, and short stay in hospitals. Moreover, they state it also means improved surgical efficacy and reduced surgical tissue trauma.

The article provides information related to surgical voice restoration. The author relates that total laryngectomy or laryngopharyngectomy remains the procedure of choice for advanced laryngeal carcinoma, either as a primary procedure or as salvage following irradiation alone or concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Successful voice restoration for alaryngeal speakers can be attained with any one of three speech options, esophageal speech, electrolarynx, and tracheosophageal.

Focuses on technological advancement in electronic voice aids or artificial larynx (AL). Types of AL; Use of space age materials to improve type of machine; Changes on power sources of AL devices.

We analyzed a series of adults with an implanted voice prosthesis that had malfunctioned and required removal as a result of the attachment and growth of microorganisms. Our goal was to determine the characteristics of these colonizing microbes. We swabbed the esophageal side of each prosthesis to obtain microbial flora for analysis with standard culture media. In all, we studied 22 prostheses in 18 patients (3 patients had received multiple prostheses). We found mixed contamination (both yeast and bacteria) in 19 of the 22 cultures (86.4%); the other 3 cultures yielded bacteria only, and there was no instance of yeast only. The most common yeast isolated was Candida albicans (68.2% of cultures), and the most common bacterium was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (63.6%). The average lifetime of the prostheses was 201 days (~6 mo, 3 wk). This study, which was the first of its kind in India, revealed that the microbial picture here was different from that found in previously reported studies of European populations. We presume the differences are attributable to different lifestyles and dietary habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article about approaches to functional outcome assessment after treatment of oral cavity.

A letter to the editor is presented commending the articles on quality of life and medical rehabilitation.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Voice Prosthesis - Our Experience," by Agarwal S. Mohanta et al in the October to December 2006 issue.

Objectives: To conduct a multifactorial analysis of patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma surgically treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital.Methods: This is a 20-year retrospective analysis (1983–2003) with reference to site, age, gender, surgical approach, survival, etc.Results: There were 306 patients (251 fresh and 55 recurrent cases) with oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (oral cavity, 203; oropharynx, 100; unknown, 3). Of these, 202 patients were male and 104 were female (M:F = 1.9:1) patients. Mean age at diagnosis was 57 years. The subsite distribution was as follows: oral cavity, T-125, BM-39, FOM-39; oropharynx, LW-65, AW-23, PW-6, and SW-6. An external surgical approach was performed in 196 cases and a peroral approach in 120 cases. A mandibulectomy was done in 47 cases (hemimandibulectomy, 27; segmental mandibulectomy, 9; and marginal mandibulectomy, 11) and glossectomy in 129 patients (partial, 71; hemi, 37; subtotal, 3; and total, 18). Two hundred eleven patients were subjected to radiotherapy (radical, 113; postop, 93; palliative, 5, and iridium implants, 4). Locoregional recurrence occurred in 95 patients with distant metastasis in 20 patients. Overall cause-specific survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 86%, 66%, and 61%, respectively.Conclusions: Minimizing morbidity while ensuring good oncologic tissue margins with any approach to the oral cavity and oropharynx is difficult, but it is imperative. When factors were considered singly, poor prognosis was associated with late stage postop radiotherapy and external surgical approach. The effect of metastasis during follow-up was associated with a poor prognosis for survival. Nodal status and age were not significant predictors of survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]