Regional recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007 Aug;133(8):796-800. doi: 10.1001/archotol.133.8.796.

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate whether the regional recurrence (RR) of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nasal cavity is higher than previously suspected.

Data sources: Original articles, including a previously published series from our institution, were identified from systematic searches of the MEDLINE database.

Study selection: Studies that analyzed tumors other than SCC or tumors from sites other than the nasal cavity were excluded. Studies that did not report an RR were also excluded.

Data extraction: Studies identified by the literature search were reviewed by a single reviewer (W.C.S.), and studies not excluded were reviewed for data extraction by 2 reviewers (W.C.S. and M.Y.C.).

Data synthesis: From the 23 studies reviewed, the average weighted percentage RR for SCC of the nasal cavity was 18.1% (95% confidence interval, 13.4%-22.8%).

Conclusions: Currently, few authors advocate elective treatment of the neck in patients with high-risk SCC of the nasal cavity. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that the RR of this entity may be higher than previously suspected. Because many studies included other histopathologies or analyzed recurrence data from tumors of multiple subsites, a true RR for SCC of the nasal cavity has not been firmly established. Now that a uniform staging system exists for nasal cavity cancers, better prospective analysis of these tumors will be available. The authors suggest that the risk of RR of certain high-risk SCCs of the nasal cavity to the lymph nodes, including the perifacial and upper cervical lymphatics, may approach the frequently cited 20% risk suggestive of consideration for elective regional therapy.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Nasal Cavity / pathology*
  • Nasal Cavity / surgery*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local*
  • Nose Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Nose Neoplasms / surgery*