Approach to resection of sternoclavicular tumor abutting the common carotid artery in irradiated field

Abstract

Head and neck cancer recurrence at the sternoclavicular junction (SCJ) in irradiated field poses a special challenge in terms of surgical planning. We herein present a case of tonsillar squamous cell cancer recurrence at the SCJ in a patient with history of tracheostomy and head and neck radiation. We describe our preoperative planning for vascular control and possible reconstruction as well as our approach for safe resection.