Individualized surgical treatment for patients with tumours of the cervicothoracic junction

OBJECTIVES: The cervicothoracic junction is a special section that connects the neck, thoracic cavity, mediastinum and axilla. Tumours in the region often invade or compress surrounding tissues and organs, which makes the surgical treatment difficult. METHODS: A retrospective analysis involving 69 patients with tumours at the cervicothoracic junction. Clinical data with regard to manifestation, surgical approach, resection degree, outcome and pathological types were collected. RESULTS: A total of 48 cases of asymptomatic patients and 21 cases of patients with ≥1 clinical manifestation were enrolled in the study. Twenty-seven patients received radical resection with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Anterior approach was the predominant treatment method in open surgery (25 cases, 36.2%), while the anterolateral approach was used in 8 cases (6 cases of hemiclamshell incisions and 2 cases of trap-door incisions). In addition, we observed 1 case of posterior approach, 2 cases of posterolateral approach and 1 case of supraclavicular approach combined with posterolateral approach. Pathological examination results revealed 67 cases of radical resection and 2 cases of microscopic residual. Neurilemmoma was the most widespread pathological type (30 cases, 43.5%), followed by tumour originating from fibrous tissues (5 cases, 7.2%). A 3-year overall survival rate of the 69 patients was 89.9%, while a 5-year overall survival rate was 85.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Tumours associated with the cervicothoracic junction are characterized by their unique location, complex anatomy and various histopathological subtypes. An individualized approach during surgery enhances safety and standardized of treatments for patients with tumours located at the cervicothoracic junction.