Neck dissections: emerging role of oral pathologists

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

• Surgical resection is the primary treatment for upper aerodigestive tract carcinomas.
• Neck dissection addresses nodal metastasis in oral carcinomas.
• Post-operative treatment decisions depend on histopathological analysis of surgical margins, lymph nodes, and accessory tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze histopathological findings in neck dissection specimens from head and neck carcinoma cases.
• To evaluate the role of oral pathologists in assessing these specimens for optimal treatment planning.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of ten head and neck carcinoma cases over two years.
• Histopathological assessment of tumor grade, margin status, nodal metastasis, and vascular invasion.

Main Results:

• Eight cases of Well Differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma, one ameloblastic carcinoma, and one occult cancer with metastasis.
• Positive surgical margin involvement in seven cases, with tumor proximity varying (<5mm or >5mm).
• Four cases with positive nodal involvement, five negative, and one unassessable.

Conclusions:

• Oral pathologists play a vital role in assessing neck dissection specimens.
• Accurate histopathological assessment is key to improving treatment outcomes and reducing cancer recurrence.