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A Model for Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: January 5, 2017
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Interobserver Variation Among Pathologists in Evaluating Perineural Invasion for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Angela C Chi1, Nora Katabi2, Huey-Shys Chen3
1Division of Oral Pathology, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., MSC 507, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA. chi@musc.edu.
Head and Neck Pathology
|May 4, 2016
Summary
Pathologists show fair agreement when evaluating perineural invasion (PNI) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The study highlights a need for standardized criteria to improve diagnostic consistency in PNI assessment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Cancer Diagnostics
Background:
- Perineural invasion (PNI) is a critical prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
- Current evaluation of PNI among pathologists lacks standardization, potentially impacting patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess interobserver variability in PNI evaluation among pathologists for OSCC.
- To survey the criteria pathologists use for PNI assessment and their origins.
Main Methods:
- An electronic survey was distributed to 363 oral and/or surgical pathologists.
- Participants rated PNI presence in 15 photomicrographs and answered questions on their diagnostic criteria and training.
Main Results:
- Eighty-eight pathologists completed the survey, showing fair agreement in PNI rating (κ = 0.38).
- Only 56% reported being taught PNI criteria during residency; criteria were based on training, literature, or personal experience.
- Agreement on proposed PNI definitions was slight (κ = 0.10).
Conclusions:
- Interobserver agreement in assessing PNI in OSCC is fair, indicating significant variability.
- There is a clear need for more widely accepted, objective, and reproducible criteria for PNI evaluation in OSCC.
