Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule.

Abstract

Sixty patients were treated with radiation therapy alone (56 patients) or followed by surgery (4 patients) between 1970 and 1995 for squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule. Local control rates at five years after irradiation alone in 56 patients were: T1-T2, 94%; T4, 71%; and overall, 85%. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size and bone invasion significantly influenced local control. All four patients with extensive T4 tumors treated with radiation therapy plus surgery were cured. Cause-specific survival rates at five years for 56 patients treated with radiation therapy alone were: T1-T2, 94%; T4, 86%; and overall, 91%. Multivariate analysis revealed that bone invasion and tumor size adversely influenced cause-specific survival. No patient treated with irradiation alone experienced a major complication, compared with three of four patients who underwent irradiation and surgery. Radiation therapy results in a high cure rate with good cosmesis. Patients with extensive T4 cancers have an improved chance of cure with radiation and surgery but more complications.