The treatment of tumours of the upper jaw

Abstract

Based on a study of a series of some 715 tumours of the upper jaw seen in the Radiotherapy Department of The Royal Marsden Hospital during the period 1933–67, observations are made on the anatomy and pathology of these tumours. Reference is also made to the attempt to classify these tumours according to the TNM system. The basis of the treatment policy adopted is a combination of pre-operative radiation followed by surgery. A detailed account is furnished of the preparation and care of the patient undergoing radiotherapy and the possible complications that may arise and methods for their avoidance. The techniques of telecobalt therapy are discussed and illustrated, the use of the techniques being related to the classification system advocated.