• DOI:10.1002/lary.23562
• Corpus ID: 321364

A new paradigm for the diagnosis and management of unknown primary tumors of the head and neck: A role for transoral robotic surgery

@article{Mehta2012ANP,
  title={A new paradigm for the diagnosis and management of unknown primary tumors of the head and neck: A role for transoral robotic surgery},
  author={Vikas Mehta and Paul Johnson and Andrew B. Tassler and Seungwon Kim and Robert L Ferris and Melonie Nance and Jonas T. Johnson and U. Duvvuri},
  journal={The Laryngoscope},
  year={2012},
  volume={123}
}

• V. Mehta, Paul Johnson, +5 authors U. Duvvuri
• Published 14 November 2012
• Medicine
• The Laryngoscope

In 2% to 3% of patients with cancer metastatic to cervical lymph nodes, a primary tumor will not be found despite exhaustive diagnostic efforts. The treatment for these patients includes cervical lymphadenectomy followed by radiation to areas with increased risk of harboring a mucosal primary. Wide‐field radiation therapy increases the incidence of xerostomia and dysphagia. Localizing a primary tumor has thus both therapeutic and quality‐of‐life implications, allowing possible complete surgical excision, concentrated radiation therapy, and potential deintensification of adjuvant therapy. With improved visualization and freedom of motion, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an innovative surgical modality that allows resection of oropharyngeal subsites with minimal morbidity.