Intended single-modality management of T1 and T2 tonsillar carcinomas: retrospective comparison of radical tonsillectomy vs radiation from a single institution

Abstract

Background T1 and T2 tonsillar squamous cell cancer with limited neck disease can be managed with single-modality radiation or surgery. Over 11 years, 17 patients underwent radical tonsillectomies; and 33 patients underwent radiation-based treatments for T1 and T2 and N0 to N2a tonsil cancer. Patients were intended to receive single-modality treatment based on presentation; however, some ultimately received adjuvant treatments. Methods A retrospective chart review to compare overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and locoregional control (LRC) between the groups was used. Results In surgical group, of 17 patients, 11 underwent surgery alone, 3 underwent surgery and radiation, and 3 underwent surgery with concurrent chemoradiation. Five-year OS for the surgical and radiation groups was 93% and 72%, respectively (no significance achieved). Five-year DSS rates (93% and 80%) and LRC (69% and 89%) similarly did not yield any significant difference. Conclusion Surgery remains a viable option in the management of T1 and T2 tonsillar cancers with comparable LRC, OS, and DSS.