Irregular cervical dissemination of tumours of the maxillo-facial region

In nearly 90% of lymphatic disseminations, metastasis of carcinomata of the oral cavity follows the normal regional anatomy of the efferent lymphatic system, and usually manifests itself in three homolateral filtering groups. More than 90% of lymphatic metastases occur in the first year following diagnosis of the primary tumour. Such a sequence may be regarded as "regular" metastasis. Anatomical variations and metastasis-induced or therapy-induced blockage of the efferent lymphatic system can change the pattern of metastasis to "irregular". The present studies are specially directed towards recurrence of metastasis, lymphangiosis blastomatosa, the so-called late metastasis as well as the problem of branchiogenic carcinoma. The explanation of clinical aspects has been substantiated with topographic-anatomical and histological findings as well as experience gained in lymphography and lymphoscintigraphy of the cervical lymphatic system.