SMALL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE HEAD AND NECK: A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL FROM CHENNAI EXPERIENCE AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Dr. SIVARAJ KUMAR.S; Dr. S.SARAVANAN; Dr. RESMI.R; Dr. ANBARASI.K

Volume : X, Issue : VI, June - 2020

SMALL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE HEAD AND NECK: A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL FROM CHENNAI EXPERIENCE AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Dr. Sivaraj Kumar. S, Dr. S. Saravanan, Dr. Resmi. R, Dr. Anbarasi. K

Abstract :

AIM: To analyze retrospectively the experience and outcome in the treatment of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of head and neck at our center. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 12 patients had reported with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of head and neck to Government Royapettah hospital, Chennai from the year 2016 to 2018. Of these, 3 had tumor in paranasal sinus, 1in nasal cavity, 3 in nasaopharynx, 1 in retromolar trigone, 1 in larynx,1 in floor of mouth,2 in salivary gland. Radiotherapy was given as local treatment to all patients either with curative intent or palliative intent with or without chemotherapy. 8 out of 12 patients were treated with curative intent and four patients treated with palliative intent in view of upfront bone metastasis RESULTS: Of the 12 patients 7 were men and 5 were women. The median age at presentation was 41 years (Range 10–70 years). Of the 12 patients, 8 had died after the median follow up of 8 months. The four patients who were alive were followed for a median of 37months. The 2 year disease free survival and 2 year overall survival of patients treated with curative intent were 37.5% and 60% respectively. Two patients developed bone metastasis, two patients developed lung metastasis, 1 patient developed liver and bone metastasis and all died within year of completion of treatment. All four patients treated with palliative intent died within a year due to progression of metastasis. CONCLUSION: Concurrent chemo radiation is a reasonable alternative to surgery for patient with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the head and neck. Patients who had complete response after completion of treatment did better irrespective of the site of the treatment. More effective systemic therapy is needed as most patients had local and distant failure.