Distant Metastases Following Local Control of Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx, Tonsillar Fossa, and Base of the Tongue

Abstract
A total of 243 patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx, tonsillar fossa, and base of the tongue were analyzed for frequency of distant metastases after tumor control had been achieved. Frequency of distant metastases did not increase with the size of the primary lesion. Patients with advanced nodal disease had a higher frequency of distant metastases at five years than did those with early nodal disease. The location of neck disease does not influence the frequency of distant metastases.