How should masticator space involvement be defined: anatomically or by AJCC's vague definition with regards to Nasopharynx Cancer?

This has a big impact on treatment volume delineation if one schema classifies a lesion as T2 and the other leads to classifcation as a T4.

In the T4 scenario, one might contour/include the entirety of the sphenoid sinus, clivus, and cavernous sinus. This would be left out/scaled down if the T2 classifciation is used.

Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice

That's a great question. I found the following article (linked below), which showed that the anatomic definition of masticator space independently predicts for increased locoregional recurrence and overall survival, and that since the mandibular nerve passes into the anatomic masticator space, that ...

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Radiation Oncologist at University of Michigan
The 8th edition of NPC staging includes the downgr...

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How should masticator space involvement be defined: anatomically or by AJCC's vague definition with regards to Nasopharynx Cancer?

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