Treatment of base of tongue cancer with paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatinum induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy.

Objectives/hypothesis: To assess the efficacy of paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatinum induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiation in the treatment of stage III and IV base of tongue cancer.

Study Design: Subgroup analysis of patients with base of tongue cancer enrolled in a single-institution prospective phase II trial, evaluating an organ-preservation approach in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer.

Methods: Eighteen patients with tumors ranging from stage T2-T4, any N, or M0 were treated with a protocol of induction chemotherapy, with Taxol, ifosfamide, cisplatin every 21 days for up to three cycles.

Angioedema of the head and neck.

Angioedema is an immunological disorder characterized by the acute onset of edema in a localized area of skin or mucosa. There are many different causes of angioedema, including hereditary, allergic, and idiopathic. Head and neck involvement is frequent and may cause potentially life-threatening airway compromise.