Surgical technique. Transoral robotic lateral oropharyngectomy for a T3 poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil.
Regardless of the tumor’s size, if it remains within the anatomical boundaries of the pharyngeal tonsil, a conventional radical tonsillectomy (lateral oropharyngectomy) can be performed, yielding excellent functional outcomes.
Additionally, despite the typically substantial size of metastatic lymph nodes in HPV+ oropharyngeal carcinoma, a functional (modified radical) neck dissection is generally viable.
Therefore, it is crucial not to be misled by the case’s appearance. Despite the large tumor and accompanying sizeable lymph node, the condition is still classified as an early stage due to its positivity for p16. TORS alone provides an effective treatment with minimal consequences (barring a neck scar… which will be further discussed…).
J Granell. Jan 2024.
PD. The neck scar? Check for new developments on remote access to the neck.
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