AIM: This study aims at assessing the results of the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This retrospective review concerns records of 111 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate treated between 1977 and 2000. Twelve patients with multiple simultaneous primary tumors were excluded and sixty-six patients who underwent post-treatment follow up were selected and evaluated for local-regional control and disease-free survival according to the stage. RESULTS: Radiotherapy had full response at the primary site in 76% of the patients and in the neck in 47% of N+ patients. As to recurrences, control at both sites was obtained in 52% and 31% of the cases, respectively. Cervical recurrences occurred in 11% of irradiated N0 patients and in 28% of the T1 surgical cases without neck treatment. Disease-free survival at 3 and 5 years was observed, respectively, in 45% and 35% of the patients, being significantly reduced in N+ patients. CONCLUSION: Disease persistence or recurrence is mainly due to failure in the irradiation therapy alone. Even T1 lesions present high incidence of nodal metastases, reinforcing the value of elective neck dissection.
squamous cell carcinoma; soft palate
