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Head and neck cancer in the elderly: A cohort study in 40 patients

Introduction In the industrialized nations of the Western hemisphere the age group beyond 75 years will grow steadily, requiring special attention by medical professionals in the future. With regard to these expectations 40 patients, beyond the age of 75 and who were first diagnosed to suffer from squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract, were analysed. Material and methods Forty patients diagnosed and treated between 1998 and 2003 for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) were analysed. Results Laryngeal carcinoma was noted in 80% of the patients. All types of treatment were tolerated well. Patient compliance was generally good and the rate of complications was low. Conclusion The results of the present study show that HNSCC in elderly patients should be treated with curative intention. Age itself should never be a sole factor in deciding which curative therapy should be undertaken. Exceptions could be made in patients with severe general comorbidity.