Regional lymph node metastasis in carcinoma of the hamster tongue

The incidence of regional lymph node metastasis in the hamster tongue carcinoma induced by DMBA was studied. Metastasis to the regional lymph node was confirmed by histologic examination in 25 (22.1%) of the 113 experimental animals. Of a total of 238 lymph nodes examined, metastatic deposits were found in 35 (14.6%) lymph nodes. Systemic administration of cortisone increased the rate of metastasis from 16.7% to 26.1%, but the difference was not statistically significant. The necessity of extending the tumor-bearing period and the addition of mechanical trauma to the primary carcinoma to increase the rate of metastasis are stressed.