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A Model for Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: January 5, 2017
Facial node involvement in head and neck cancer
Patrick Sheahan1, Michael Colreavy, Mary Toner
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, St. James Hospital, 17 Hampton Square, Navan Road, Dublin 7, Ireland. sheahanp@eircom.net
Head & Neck
|May 27, 2004
Summary
Facial node metastasis is uncommon in head and neck cancers but indicates higher risk. Sampling facial nodes during neck dissection may improve outcomes for oral cavity/oropharyngeal cancer patients with palpable lymphadenopathy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Facial lymph node involvement in head and neck cancer is infrequently documented.
- Removal of facial nodes carries a risk of marginal mandibular nerve damage.
- Facial nodes, despite lymphatic drainage from the oral cavity, are seldom removed during neck dissection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and significance of facial node metastasis in oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.
- To assess the relationship between facial node involvement and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 29 patients with oral cavity or oropharyngeal carcinomas.
- Analysis of 32 heminecks undergoing facial node sampling during neck dissection.
- Correlation of facial node status with clinical presentation and survival data.
Main Results:
- Facial node metastases were identified in 7 out of 29 patients.
- Metastasis was more prevalent in patients with palpable cervical lymphadenopathy.
- Positive facial nodes correlated with increased treatment failure and reduced survival.
Conclusions:
- Facial node sampling during neck dissection warrants consideration for oral cavity/oropharyngeal cancer patients with palpable cervical lymphadenopathy.
- Further research is needed to quantify the benefits of facial node removal.
- This approach may aid in risk stratification and treatment planning.
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