Metastatic neck involvement in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective clinicopathological study

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral malignancy, with neck metastasis significantly affecting prognosis and treatment. This study examines clinicopathological factors associated with neck metastasis in a Middle Eastern cohort of OSCC patients. A retrospective analysis of 84 OSCC patients treated at King Hussein Cancer Center (2018-2024) was conducted. Clinicopathological factors, including tumor subsite, T stage, depth of invasion, differentiation, perineural invasion, and lymphovascular invasion were evaluated for their association with lymph node metastasis. Pathological neck involvement was observed in 47.6% of cases. Late T stage (T3-T4) and LVI positivity were identified as independent predictors of nodal metastasis (aOR = 4.25, p = 0.009; aOR = 4.39, p = 0.027, respectively). These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive pathological assessment in OSCC.