Distant lymphatic metastasis from head and neck cancer

A predictable pattern of metastasis based on tumor histology and site of origin has been well documented for most cancers that arise in the head and neck region. The current study demonstrates that this predictable pattern of metastasis can be significantly impacted by previous therapy, resulting in unusual patterns of metastasis in patients with recurrent tumors. A retrospective case series of 5 patients with head and neck carcinomas who developed metastases to distant lymph nodes is presented. All patients underwent surgery and radiotherapy to the primary tumor and regional lymphatics at the time of their initial treatment. All of the patients developed a local recurrence less than a year before the detection of distant lymphatic metastases. Cytology or excision confirmed metastases to the axillary, inguinal, or anterior intercostal lymph nodes. All of the patients underwent aggressive surgery for attempted cure of the local recurrence shortly before the presence of distant lymphatic metastases was clinically recognized. The metastatic workup of patients with carcinomas of the head and neck frequently includes examination of the regional lymph nodes as well as chest radiography, liver function tests, and serum calcium determination. This evaluation may fail to detect metastases to distant lymph nodes in patients who present with recurrent or second primary cancers. Such patients should undergo careful examination of all major lymph node-bearing regions of the body when being evaluated for the presence of distant metastases.