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BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2006 | Research article

Surgical margins and survival after head and neck cancer surgery

Authors: Reina Haque, Richard Contreras, Michael P McNicoll, Evelyn C Eckberg, Diana B Petitti

Published in: BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders | Issue 1/2006

Abstract

Background

Mixed results exist as to whether positive surgical margins impact survival. The aim of this study was to determine whether positive surgical margins are indeed associated with decreased survival in patients with primary head and neck cancer.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 261 cases diagnosed with cancer of the larynx or tongue between 1995 and 1999. Cases were followed through December 31, 2002. Survival curves by margin status were generated by Kaplan-Meier methods. Categorical data were evaluated with odds ratios (OR).

Results

All-cause mortality was markedly higher in cases with positive margins as compared with those with negative margins (54% versus 29%, P = 0.005). This pattern also appeared after adjusting for age and sex (OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.29 – 6.84).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that positive surgical margin status is associated with increased mortality. This association also generally persists after adjustment for tumor size, stage, and adjuvant therapy.

Available only for authorised users

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6815/6/2/prepub

Title: Surgical margins and survival after head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Reina Haque
Richard Contreras
Michael P McNicoll
Evelyn C Eckberg
Diana B Petitti
Publication date: 01-12-2006
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders / Issue 1/2006
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6815
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6815-6-2

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Springer Medicine

Surgical margins and survival after head and neck cancer surgery

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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