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Abstract
The Tumour-Node-Metastasis (TNM) classification system of tumour stage does not always reflect the actual tumour mass present at diagnosis. Recent reports propose that volumetric analysis may allow improved stratification of disease recurrence and survival in head and neck squamous cell cancer (SCC). This study aims to assess the prognostic value of tumour volume on the outcome of patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal SCC.
A retrospective review of 73 patients was completed. Tumours were outlined semi-automatically in digitized computed tomography scans, and volumes computed based on surface triangulations of three-dimensional reconstructions with novel software developed at McGill.
Results illustrate significant interstage variability within the current TNM model. Moreover, in oral cavity and oropharyngeal SCC, tumour volume as well as T-stage are significant and independent predictors of disease free survival and overall survival.
