Santoro et al developed a nomogram for predicting the likelihood of a local or systemic complication following surgery for a cancer of the oral cavity or oropharynx. These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from the European Institute of Oncology in Milan and San Matteo Hospital in Pavia, Italy.
Patient selection: cancer of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer
Outcome: local or systemic complications
Parameter:
(1) alcohol
(2) tumor site
(3) clinical T score and gender
(4) neck dissection
Parameter
Finding
Points
alcohol
no
0
former
46.3
current
46.3
tumor site
oral cavity
0
oropharynx
41.3
clinical T stage and gender
cT0 to cT3 and female
17.3
cT4 and female
0
cT0 to cT3 and male
20
cT4 and male
100
neck dissection
no
0
unilateral or bilateral
80.3
total score =
= SUM(points for all 4 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 268
• The greater the score the greater the risk of a local or systemic complication.
Total Score
Percent Likelihood of a Postoperative Complication
