Radiosensitive Intra-Oral Tumors

It is the purpose of this study to call attention to a group of malignant epithelial tumors which may be separated from the general class of epidermoid carcinomas because they present peculiar clinical manifestations, a specific histologic structure and a remarkable susceptibility to radiation. A notable variation in the natural history of certain intra-oral tumors has been previously observed. Thus, Ewing1stated that within the group of epidermoid carcinomas, particularly of the tonsil, base of the tongue, nasopharynx and larynx, cases occur which show a high degree of malignancy and run an unusually rapid course. The peculiar histologic structure of these tumors, notably the absence of squamous features and the presence of transitional epithelial characters has also been noted. In 1921, Regaud recognized the peculiar microscopic changes and radiosensitivity of certain tonsillar and nasopharyngeal tumors. He was impressed with a close and constant relation between the epithelial and lymphoid