Stomal recurrence in head and neck cancer patients with temporary tracheostomy

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2014 Oct;41(5):467-70. doi: 10.1016/j.anl.2014.02.003. Epub 2014 Mar 3.

Abstract

Objective: Stomal recurrence following a temporary tracheostomy in the management of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) without laryngectomy is a rare finding. We studied the incidence and prognostic significance of stomal recurrence in patients who had a temporary tracheostomy.

Methods: Data were obtained retrospectively from a database on all patients with a HNSCC tumour diagnosed and treated at our hospital between 1985 and 2012.

Results: Of 491 patients who underwent temporary tracheostomy, six presented tumour recurrence in the stomal scar. The risk of stomal recurrence after a temporary tracheostomy was therefore 1.2% (6/491). Only one of the three patients who received salvage treatment achieved disease control.

Conclusion: Tumour recurrence in the stomal scar after a transitory tracheostomy in patients with head and neck carcinoma has an incidence of around 1% and very poor prognosis.

Keywords: Head and neck carcinoma; Stomal recurrence; Tracheostomy; Tumour recurrence.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery*
  • Cicatrix / pathology*
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology*
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
  • Surgical Stomas / pathology*
  • Tracheostomy*
  • Young Adult