Lymph node metastases from squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region

A retrospective and a prospective study are described concerning the results of treatment for neck node metastases. The metastases came from squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region. The possibility of cure by radiotherapy is considered in detail. It appeared that the results of radiotherapy depend on the site of the primary tumour and on its occasional recurrence. From a dose-effect curve and a dose-complication curve it could be estimated that the optimal dose of irradiation was 2000 rets (72 Gray in 7 weeks). (Auth.)