Related Experiment Video For Oral cavity cancer
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer at Early Stage with Laparoscopy
Published on: August 19, 2021
Validation of sentinel lymph node biopsy with completion neck dissection in oral cavity cancer
Erim Pamuk1, Burçay Tellioğlu1, Ergin Eroğlu1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Türkiye.
Background:
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is increasingly used in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) as a minimally invasive approach that may reduce overtreatment and morbidity compared to elective neck dissection (END).
Aim:
This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of SLNB in clinically node-negative (cN0) OCSCC and its utility in mapping lymphatic drainage, particularly in advanced tumors.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort of 57 cN0 OCSCC patients undergoing SLNB followed by completion neck dissection was analysed.
Results:
In early-stage tumors (T1/T2), SLNB demonstrated 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value, with an occult metastasis rate of 23.8%. No false negatives were observed, and only one patient was upstaged. In T3/T4 tumors, sensitivity and NPV decreased to 55.6% and 60%. The false-negative rate (FNR), calculated as the proportion of false negatives among patients with histopathologically confirmed nodal metastases, was 44.4%. Contralateral or bilateral drainage occurred in 40% of well-lateralized advanced tumors, reflecting altered drainage with progression.
Conclusion:
SLNB is a reliable staging tool in early OCSCC. In advanced disease, although diagnostic accuracy is reduced, it provides valuable information on atypical drainage pathways.
Significance:
These findings support SLNB as an effective staging and lymphatic mapping tool, reinforcing its selective integration into OCSCC management.
