Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2025
Author Spotlight: A Model to Study the Systemic and Local Dynamics of CD8+ T Cells During LN Metastasis
Published on: January 26, 2024
Distinctive lymph node metastasis characteristics and predictive model for young oral squamous cell carcinoma
Yu-Xuan Wu1, Hao-Yang Cheng1, Jun Jia2
1State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, 430079, Wuhan City, China.
Abstract:
Occult cervical lymph node metastasis (OCLNM) significantly influences clinical management and prognosis in young oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients under 30 years old, who demonstrate distinct disease features compared to older cohorts. This retrospective study analyzed 66 OSCC patients under 30 treated between 2012 and 2024 to identify risk factors for cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and develop a predictive model. Among the cohort, 36.4 % (24/66) exhibited CLNM, with OCLNM comprising 58.3 % (14/24) of these cases and correlating with poorer outcomes. Univariate analysis revealed associations between CLNM and time interval from onset to presentation (TiOP), maximum tumor diameter, depth of invasion, histologic grade, and systemic inflammatory markers (LMR, FIB, NLR). Multivariate analysis identified TiOP as an independent predictor of CLNM. A nomogram integrating these factors achieved an AUC of 0.88, demonstrating strong predictive accuracy. These findings underscore the high prevalence of OCLNM in young OSCC patients and its prognostic implications. The proposed nomogram offers a practical preoperative tool to stratify CLNM risk, potentially guiding therapeutic strategies and improving clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population. This study highlights the necessity of tailored diagnostic approaches for young OSCC patients to address their unique metastatic patterns.
