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Squamous cell carcinoma of the lip: depth of invasion, local recurrence and regional metastases. Experience of a rural multidisciplinary head and neck unit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 August 2015

A Pastuszek*
Affiliation:
Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Department, Toowoomba General Hospital, Queensland, Australia
M Hanson
Affiliation:
Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Department, Toowoomba General Hospital, Queensland, Australia
R Grigg
Affiliation:
Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Department, Toowoomba General Hospital, Queensland, Australia
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Andrew Pastuszek, 8 Long Island Court, Mermaid Waters, QLD 4218, Australia Fax: +61 (0)746 165 122 E-mail: atpastuszek@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:

The internationally recognised American Joint Committee on Cancer (tumour–node–metastasis) staging system utilises tumour size to determine stage. Other factors (i.e. tumour depth) may provide additional prognostic information.

Method:

A thorough retrospective analysis was performed of 68 patients with primary lip squamous cell carcinoma operated on or discussed by the Darling Downs Health Service between 2005 and 2013.

Results:

Twelve patients developed lymphatic spread. There was a statistically significant increased risk of nodal metastasis in: patients with tumours of increased thickness (U = 103.50; degrees of freedom = 68; p < 0.001), those with a larger overall tumour size (U = 163.50; degrees of freedom = 68; p = 0.005) and patients living further from the treatment centre (U = 199.00; degrees of freedom = 68; p = 0.018).

Conclusion:

It may be reasonable that other factors are considered for staging of lip squamous cell carcinomas, in combination with tumour–node–metastasis staging. Depth of invasion may have utility in prognosis and treatment; however, larger prospective analysis needs to be performed. Patients living in a more rural setting presented with more advanced disease, suggesting an ongoing rural–metropolitan gap in healthcare.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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Footnotes

Presented at the Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 64th Annual Scientific Meeting, 1 April 2014, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

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