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A Model for Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: January 5, 2017
Lymph Node Metastasis in Cutaneous Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Eldad Silberstein1, Efrat Sofrin, Alexander Bogdanov-Berezovsky
1*Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel; †Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is not recommended for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) of the head and neck. The study found a low rate of lymph node metastasis, suggesting SLNB is not justified for clinically N0 patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most common cancer in white individuals.
- Nodal metastasis occurs in approximately 4% of CSCC patients.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is standard for melanoma but debated for CSCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the rate of cervical lymph node metastasis in head and neck CSCC patients.
- To identify patients who might benefit from SLNB.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective data collection from 1998 to 2005.
- Inclusion of 572 patients with 725 head and neck CSCC cases.
- Follow-up to assess lymph node and distant metastases.
Main Results:
- 10 out of 572 patients (1.3%) developed lymph node metastases.
- No distant metastases were observed.
- The 6-year probability of lymph node metastasis was 1.09% for T1 and 5.46% for T2 tumors (p = .0387).
Conclusions:
- The incidence of cervical lymph node metastases in head and neck CSCC is relatively low.
- SLNB is not justified for clinically N0 patients with head and neck CSCC.
- Current evidence does not support routine SLNB for this patient group.
