PURPOSE:

To reduce xerostomia in selected patients with carcinomas of the tonsillar region and soft palate.

METHODS AND MATERIALS:

We evaluated the treatment results of 32 patients with tonsillar region and soft palate carcinoma treated by radical radiotherapy between May 1989 and December 1996. They have a unilateral tumor that did not cross midline and have no contralateral neck lymphnode metastasis and treated with an ipsilateral technique (an anterior oblique and a posterior oblique field). All patients were planned with computed tomographic (CT) simulation and given 65 Gy in 26 fractions in 6.5 weeks with or without 5-15 Gy boost irradiation. The median follow-up was 44 months (4-86 months).

RESULTS:

Five-year overall, cause-specific survival, local control, and regional control rate was 64, 79, 74 and 81%. No failure at the contralateral neck occurred. Moderate or severe symptomatic xerostomia was seen in 3 (9%) patients and ostero-radionecrosis requiring surgery occurred in one (3.3%) of 32 patients.

CONCLUSION:

It is suggested that the ipsilateral technique is indicated in patients who had an unilateral tonsillar region or soft palate carcinoma that did not cross midline and have no contralateral neck lymphnode metastasis.