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Purpose The purpose was to investigate the diagnostic performance of bimodal optical and radio-guided sentinel node biopsy (SNB) for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) sub-sites in the anterior oral cavity. Methods Prospective study of 50 consecutive patients with cN0 OSCC scheduled for SNB was injected with the tracer complex Tc99m:ICG:Nacocoll. A near-infrared camera was applied for optical SN detection. Endpoints were modality for intraoperative SN detection and false omission rate at follow-up. Results In all patients, a SN could be detected. In 12/50 (24%) of cases, the SPECT/CT showed no focus in level 1, but intraoperatively a SN in level 1 was optically detected. In 22/50 cases (44%), an additional SN was identified only due to the optical imaging. At follow-up, the false omission rate was 0%. Conclusion Optical imaging appears to be an effective tool to allow real-time SN identification comprising level 1 unaffected by possible interference of radiation site from the injection.

Although there are many histopathologic prognosticators, grading of early oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) is still based on morphological cell differentiation which has low prognostic value. Here we summarize the emerging histopathological markers showing powerful prognostic value, but are not included in pathology reports. Using PubMed, Scopus, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science databases, a systematic literature search was preformed to identify early OTSCC studies that investigated the prognostic significance of hematoxylin-eosin-based histopathologic markers. Our meta-analysis showed that tumor budding was associated with overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 2.32; 95% CI 1.40-3.84; p < 0.01) and disease-specific survival (DSS) (1.89; 95% CI 1.13-3.15; p = 0.02). Worst pattern of invasion was associated with disease-free survival (DFS) (1.95; 95% CI 1.04-3.64; p = 0.04). Tumor-stroma ratio was also associated with DFS (1.75, 95% CI 1.24-2.48; p < 0.01) and DSS (1.69; 95% CI 1.19-2.42; p < 0.01). Tumor budding, worst pattern of invasion, and tumor-stroma ratio have a promising prognostic value in early OTSCC. The evaluation and reporting of these markers is cost-effective and can be incorporated in daily practice.

Objectives/hypothesis The accurate diagnostic assessment of clinically relevant human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma represents an urgent unmet medical need. The aim of this study was to determine feasibility, accuracy, and clinical significance of HPV16/18 E6 oncoprotein detection on cytological specimens from oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and neck lymph node metastasis of SCC from unknown primary tumor (CUP) via a protein immunochromatographic assay. Study design Cross-sectional study. Methods Cytological specimens from primary tumor and neck metastases were collected from 34 patients with OPSCC or CUP and applied to a lateral flow format test that detects HPV16 and HPV18 E6 oncoproteins. E6 oncoprotein positivity or negativity in these specimens was compared to the specimens' "HPV-driven" reference status, defined by presence of HPV-DNA in combination with p16INK4a overexpression and/or HPV E6 seropositivity. Results Eighteen of 29 OPSCC (62%) and three of five CUP (60%) were HPV-driven according to our reference method. The E6 oncoprotein lateral flow test had a sensitivity of 94% (95% CI: 70%-100%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 66%-100%) on primary tumor, and a sensitivity of 88% (95% CI: 64%-99%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 74%-100%) on neck metastases. Test agreement between the E6 lateral flow test and the clinical reference method, HPV-DNA plus p16INK4a was excellent, both for primary lesion and neck metastases. Conclusions We found the detection of HPV16/18 E6 oncoproteins to be a feasible, highly reliable, and low-invasive method to assess "HPV-driven" status in OPSCC and CUP. Level of evidence II Laryngoscope, 131:1042-1048, 2021.

Background One third of all head and neck cancers are caused by laryngeal cancer. However, the incidence and prevalence rates have decreased over the past 3 decades. Neck metastasis from cancer larynx is important to be addressed as its presence greatly reduces the probability of survival. However, quality of life should be taken into consideration. Hence, it was important to analyze factors related to neck metastasis from primary laryngeal cancer to detect any change of tumor behavior with time. Results One hundred thirty-eight patients underwent concomitant neck dissection with laryngectomy (total or partial). Supraglottic tumors had the greatest share in the neck metastasis with a count of 11 (of 26 neck metastasis), representing 42% and a total value of 11 (of 30 total supraglottic cancer) representing a tendency of spread in 37% of the total case number. Tumor midline crossing was present in 77% cases (20 of 26) with positive nodes, representing a P value 0.05. Conclusion This study investigated different factors related to lymph node metastasis from primary laryngeal tumor. The most important factors were the site of the tumor and its relation to the midline.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a malignant tumor that can metastasize easily. Hence, many patients have already developed metastasis when they are diagnosed. It is also one of the most common tumors that metastasize to the head and neck through extranodal disease. Herein, we reported a case of a 53-year-old man with cervical metastasis from bilateral RCC. Interestingly, whole exome sequencing (WES) and clonal evolution analysis revealed that bilateral renal tumor lesions and neck metastases (squamous cell carcinoma) share the same subclones and a large number of gene variants, while the pathological morphology is different (left nephrotic foci, a mixed pattern of mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) with papillary adenoma; right renal foci, papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC)). This was first reported in RCCs to the best of our knowledge. This case suggests that genotype analysis can be a powerful supplementary examination for clinical histopathological diagnosis. Gene detection has great significance for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of RCC metastasis or multiple lesions.

Background Post-pubertal teratomas, which mostly occur at 20 to 40 years old, are more likely to be found at a metastatic site in up to 20% of cases and may be inadvertently overlooked. We present a case of cervical malignant teratoma that masqueraded as a hematoma. Case presentation: A 24-year-old man presented to our institution with a 4-month history of a progressively relapsing painless mass in the neck, despite conservative treatments with oral medications. A huge space-occupying mass was identified with almost total occlusion of the left internal jugular vein. The likely diagnosis was an organized hematoma or congenital cystic tumor with internal hemorrhage. Surgical excisional biopsy of the mass lesion was conducted and a malignant teratoma was found. A whole-body positron emission tomography scan showed a left inguinal mass, bilateral intra-abdominal lymphadenopathies, and abdominal metastases. Histopathology further suggested the diagnosis of an immature testicular teratoma with multiple lymph node metastases. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with a bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin regimen. During follow-up, salvage second-line chemotherapy was required with a paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin regimen. Conclusion Although uncommon, cervical teratoma should be taken into consideration once a painless and non-remitting mass lesion is found in a young adult.

Aim:Multifocal papillary thyroid cancer (MPTC) has aggressive and poor prognosis. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the lymph node metastasis pattern in MPTC patients.Methods:We retrospectively investigated the records of 2530 patients who underwent thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer between January 2010 and December 2017. The age, gender, tumor size, thyroid capsule invasion and neck metastatic disease were evaluated in 515 of these patients having MPTC.Results:We compared multifocal and unifocal papillary thyroid cancer patients considering papillary thyroid capsule invasion (29.9%/10.86%), mean tumor diameter (15.9 mm/16.1 mm), central lymph node metastasis (56.5%/18.3%) and lateral neck lymph node metastasis (23.1%/6.3%). Capsule invasion was associated with an increased risk of multifocal disease. The incidence of capsular invasion and central and lateral neck metastases in MPTC patients was statistically significantly higher than in patients with unifocal thyroid papillary cancer (p

Objective: To determine the association of thickness of tumor of oral lesions with and without metastasis in neck based on computerized tomography (CT) scan. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among patients having age >18 years of either gender diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Moreover, patients with buccal mucosa and tongue malignant tumor were also included. CT scan was performed on all patients and tumor thickness in anteroposterior, transverse, and craniocaudal positions were measured. Results: A total of 119 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 46.97 ±11.79 years. Male preponderance was found to be higher 102 (85.7%) than that of females 17 (14.3%). The mean anterioposterior thickness level was significantly higher in right side of oral cavity as compared to left side (4.39 ±2.12 vs 3.52 ±1.56, p-value 0.015). Moreover, mean transverse dimension was found significantly higher among patients in whom post tongue was involved as compared to those among which post tongue was not involved (5.05 ±1.56 vs 2.64 ±1.78, p-value 0.009). Metastasis was significantly higher among patients with right side of oral tumor as compared to those with left side of oral tumor (p-value 0.043). Conclusion: Metastasis of anterioposterior thickness level was significantly higher among patients with right side of SCC while transverse dimension was found significantly higher among patients in whom post tongue was involved.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lower lip is a relatively rare carcinoma, with the incidence of 1 to 2%, but it is the most common carcinoma in the oral cavity accounting for 25-30% of all malignant oral tumours. AIM: This study aimed to determine the role of neovascularisation in the process of tumour progression. METHODS: We analysed the surgical specimens obtained from 60 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lower lip. The examined group consisted of 45 specimens of patients without metastasis and 15 specimens of patients with metastasis in the regional lymph nodes. Histopathological slides were immunohistochemically stained with an antibody against CD34 and by hematoxylin & eosin staining for routine histopathological examination. RESULTS: The results obtained showed a statistically significant difference in the density of neovascularisation between groups of the SCC with different grade of differentiation (Kruskal-Wallis test: H (2, N = 60) = 30.0943, p = 0.00001). Statistical analysis also showed a significant difference in the density of vascularisation of lower lip SCC between patients without metastasis and patients with neck metastasis (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.000198). Applying Pearson’s chi-square test, we found a highly significant statistical difference in grade of SCC differentiation in patients with and without neck metastasis (p = 0.0000). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the density of neoangiogenesis is increased in tumours with poorer differentiation and in patients with neck metastasis. So, the density of neovascularisation of the primary lip SCC may predict the tumour progression.

Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most common thyroid developmental anomalies accounting for 75% of midline neck tumors in children. Carcinomas arising fromthis remnant are very rare in adults and even scarcer in pediatrics. Preoperative diagnosis is a challenge and appropriate treatment is controversial. We report the caseof a 13-year-old adolescent girl with a growing midline neck mass suspicious for a thyroglossal duct cyst who underwent a Sistrunk procedure. Histologic analysisrevealed the presence of a papillary carcinoma in the wall. She completed treatment with total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine. Postablative whole body scanshowed an inferior neck metastasis. We discuss previous pediatric cases of this entity and the different options in the management strategy. Fil: Papendieck, Patricia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Fundación de Endocrinología Infantil. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada"; Argentina Fil: Gruñeiro Papendieck, Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Fundación de Endocrinología Infantil. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada"; Argentina Fil: Chiesa, Ana Elena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Fundación de Endocrinología Infantil. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada"; Argentina

Objective: To determine the relationship of tumor thickness of oral lesions with metastasis in neck based on CT scan. Methods: A total of 58 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients having the median age of 46 (39-55) years. with either gender presented with malignant tumor of buccal mucosa and tongue were prospectively enrolled. A CT Scan with contrast was performed on all patients. Correlation of tumor thickness level with metastasis in neck was calculated using spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test. Results: Median age of the patients was 46 (39-55) years with preponderance of male gender, i.e. 48 (82.8%). Strong positive significant correlation was observed in between transverse dimension (TS) tumor size and stages of tumor (rho 0.673, p-value

INTRODUCTION Cervical metastases from breast carcinoma are rare and their management is controversial. Between 1987 and 2002 the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staged patients with supraclavicular fossa nodal disease as M1 but the subsequent demonstration that patients with regional stage IV disease had better outcomes than visceral stage IV disease led to a reclassification of the former to stage IIIC in 2003. The literature remains inconsistent regarding the fate of these patients. Despite the attendant morbidity of treatment and lack of knowledge regarding long-term survival, we hypothesised that current practice varies in the UK and a unified approach does not exist. The aim of this study was therefore to determine current practice and opinion of both head and neck specialists and breast cancer clinicians in the UK. METHODS Questionnaires were disseminated to 185 head and neck surgeons, breast surgeons and their oncology counterparts. These outlined a clinical scenario of a patient with a history of T3 primary breast cancer presenting with cervical and supraclavicular nodal metastases, with opinion being sought regarding the significance of this status and the individual’s practical approach to the problem. The extent of any proposed neck dissection was also explored. RESULTS Of the 117 respondents, a noticeable variation in opinion was evident. Contrary to the current AJCC staging, 61% of clinicians felt that both level V and III metastases represented stage IV disease. There was a tendency towards aggressive surgical treatment with a third recommending comprehensive neck dissection despite a lack of evidence base. A disparity was noted between adjuvant treatments offered and the final pN stage. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that at present there is widespread inconsistency in the management of breast carcinoma cervical metastases in the UK. There is a need to unify practice with an evidence base in order to improve informed multidisciplinary decision making and, ultimately, patient care. This study goes some way to supporting multicentre collaboration in order to achieve that aim.

The appearance of a solitary lateral cervical cystic mass as the only initial presenting symptom of occult thyroid carcinoma is uncommon. Its presence is often related with the more frequently branchial cyst in young adults, but also rarely related with thyroid carcinomas. In most of these cases all such lesions may initially be considered as metastatic foci from a primary thyroid lesion. However, an alternative explanation by means of which ectopic thyroid tissue is associated with a branchial cyst has to be considered, especially if no primary tumour is observed in the histological examination of the thyroid gland. We present two case of solitary cystic lymph node metastasis of occult papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. [Cukurova Med J 2011; 36(1.000): 29-33]

Objetivos. Existen en la literatura numerosos estudios en relación con los factores pronósticos implicados en la aparición de metástasis cervicales ipsilaterales en el carcinoma epidermoide de cavidad oral. Sin embargo, no existen estudios clínicos amplios acerca de la asociación de factores clínico-patológicos y la aparición de metástasis cervicales contralaterales tras la resección quirúrgica del tumor primario. El propósito de este estudio es el análisis de los factores implicados en la aparición de metástasis cervical contralateral en pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide de cavidad oral primariamente tratados con cirugía. Pacientes y métodos. Se analizó una serie de 315 pacientes consecutivos con carcinoma epidermoide de la cavidad oral no tratados previamente. Se realizó un estudio complementario del subgrupo de 203 pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide del borde lateral de la lengua libre, por tratarse de un grupo muy prevalente en la serie analizada. Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico con o sin tratamiento radioterápico adyuvante. Varias fueron las variables clínicas e histopatológicas analizadas, como son: las características clínicas del tumor, el estadio tumoral, el grado de diferenciación histológica, el tipo de disección cervical, la supervivencia enfermedad- específica, los márgenes quirúrgicos en la pieza resecada, la extensión ganglionar extracapsular, la diseminación perineural y la afectación ósea. Resultados. La duración media del seguimiento de los pacientes que sobrevivieron fue de 70,9 ± 49,6 meses. Ochenta y tres pacientes murieron a causa de la enfermedad a lo largo del seguimiento. Cuarenta y siete de estos pertenecían al subgrupo de pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide de lengua. Un total de 147 pacientes permanecía vivo sin evidencias de recurrencia de la enfermedad al final del periodo de seguimiento, 116 de los cuales correspondían al subgrupo de pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide de lengua. El tiempo de supervivencia medio libre de enfermedad fue 147± 6 meses. Veintinueve (9,1%) pacientes desarrollaron recurrencia cervical ipsilateral, mientras que 18 (5,69%) mostraron recurrencia cervical contralateral. Para los pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide de lengua, y considerando los porcentajes en relación a los 203 pacientes con esta entidad, estas cifras fueron de 20 (9,8%) y 9 (4,4%), respectivamente. El tiempo medio de aparición de las metástasis cervicales desde la cirugía fue de 12,52 meses (rango: 3-49), algo menor para el subgrupo de pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide de lengua (11,4 meses, rango: 3-27). Dieciocho de los 29 pacientes con recurrencia cervical ipsilateral murieron finalmente de la enfermedad. Siete de 18 pacientes con metástasis contralateral murieron igualmente de la enfermedad. En el subgrupo de pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide de lengua, estas cifras fueron: catorce de 20 pacientes con metástasis cervical ipsilateral y ocho de 9 pacientes con metástasis cervical contralateral. Varios factores clínicopatológicos mostraron asociación estadísticamente significativa (pObjectives. There are numerous studies in the literature on the prognostic factors involved in the appearance of ipsilateral neck metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. However, there are no extensive clinical studies on the association of clinicopathological factors and the appearance of contralateral neck metastasis after the surgical resection of the primary tumor. The object of this study is to analyze the factors implied in the appearance of contralateral neck metastasis in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity treated primarily with surgery. Patients and methods. A series of 315 consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, who had not been treated previously, were analyzed. A complementary study of a subgroup of 203 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lateral border of the mobile tongue was carried out, as this was a very prevalent group in the series analyzed. The patients all received surgical treatment with or without adjuvant radiotherapy treatment. Various clinical and histopathological variables were analyzed, such as the clinical characteristics of the tumor, tumor stage, degree of histological differentiation, type of neck dissection, disease-specific survival, surgical margins of the resected specimen, extracapsular lymph node extension, perineural dissemination and bone involvement. Results. The mean follow-up of patients who survived was 70.9 ± 49.6 months. Eighty-three patients died as a result of the disease during the follow-up period. Forty-six of these belonged to the subgroup of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. A total of 147 patients remained alive with no evidence of disease recurrence at the end of the follow-up period, 116 of whom corresponded to the subgroup of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. The mean rate of disease-free survival was147± 6 months. Twenty-nine (9.1%) of patients developed ipsilateral neck recurrence, while 18 (5.69%) showed contralateral neck recurrence. For patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, and considering the percentages in relation to the 203 patients with this entity, these figures were 20 (9.8%) and 9 (4.4%) respectively. The mean time it took for neck metastasis to appear following surgery was 12.52 months (range 3-49), somewhat less for the subgroup of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (11.4 months, range 3-27). Eighteen of the 29 patients with ipsilateral neck recurrence finally died of the disease. Seven of the 18 patients with contralateral metastasis also died of the disease. In the subgroup of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue these figures were: 14 of the 20 patients with ipsilateral neck metastasis and eight of the nine patients with contralateral neck metastasis. Various clinico pathological factors showed an association that was statistically significant (p

Neck dissection is an important treatment for metastases from upper aerodigestive carcinoma; an event that markedly reduces survival. Since its inception, the philosophy of the procedure has undergone significant change from one of radicalism to the current conservative approach. Furthermore, nonsurgical modalities have been introduced, and, in many situations, have supplanted neck surgery. The refinements of imaging the neck based on the concept of neck level involvement has encouraged new philosophies to evolve that seem to benefit patient outcomes particularly as this relates to diminished morbidity. The purpose of this review was to highlight the new paradigms for surgical removal of neck metastases using an evidence-based approach. United States Department of Health & Human Services National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI) (P30CA008748) United States Department of Health & Human Services National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI) (P30 CA008748)

Objectives: Management of neck metastases in terms of diagnosis and treatment has always been a controversial issue in patients of head and neck malignancy. The main area of debate in case of diagnosis lies with the fact that whether we should rely on ultrasound, as a diagnostic modality for diagnosing micrometastases in the neck in head and neck malignancy patients? The second controversial issue is the management of N0 neck, whether to be radical or conservative? Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 70 diagnosed patients of head and neck carcinoma who were planned for resection of the primary. An appropriate neck dissection was performed in all the patients, and their clinical, ultrasonography, and postoperative histopathological neck findings were correlated. Results: In our center, the most common site of the primary tumor was oral cavity with most involving buccal mucosa. As expected, T4 lesions were commonly associated with nodal metastasis (71%). The sensitivity of clinical examination and ultrasound was 80% and 93.3%, respectively, and specificity of clinical examination and ultrasound was 57% and 27.2%, respectively. Histopathologically positive but clinically nonpalpable metastases in the study group were more frequent in levels Ib, II, and III, respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that ultrasonography being a low cost and a highly sensitive investigation can act in tandem with clinical examination for diagnosing the neck for metastases preoperatively in head and neck malignancy patients. However, due to its low specificity, we cannot completely rely on it, hence doing a neck dissection in selective form, will definitely improve the clinical course of the disease in N0 necks.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma, the most common subtype of thyroid malignancy, rarely presents with cutaneous metastatic spread. Despite metastatic cutaneous lesions presenting as slow and indolent growing nodules of the head and neck, such lesions most frequently appear in the setting of diffuse and dramatic metastatic disease and a bleak prognosis. Given the rarity of these metastatic lesions, the diagnosis may be delayed, and often the initial diagnosis is incorrect. Several case reports have been published in the literature noting unusual or interesting presentations of thyroid carcinoma with cutaneous metastasis. Here we present a classic case of a patient with a prior diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma presenting with a slowly growing ulcerated lesion on the neck nine years after partial thyroidectomy and characteristic histopathology on microscopic examination. Furthermore we review the literature regarding papillary thyroid carcinoma with cutaneous metastasis and the diagnostic challenge these lesions present to practitioners.

WOS: 000264504400011, PubMed ID: 19325341, The significance of elective neck dissection in the early stages of lower lip cancer is generally underestimated. In the classic textbooks of plastic surgery it has been generally accepted that lymphatic spread to neck is negligible and therefore it is not imperative to perform any kind of neck dissection. However, in some recent studies high rates of clinically positive neck that were initially negative began to appear in the literature especially in otorhinotaryngology and head and neck journals. Our clinical series consisted of 21 lower lip cancer cases with T1-2, NO tumors; the rate of lymphatic spread to neck was found to be 19%. Because of this high rate, we conclude that it is not sound to discard the importance of neck dissection even in the early stages of lower lip cancers. At least, a suprahyoid neck dissection should be performed in all patients with lower lip cancer.

Revisamos nossa experiência com carcinoma epidermóide metastático (CEM) para o pescoço com tumor primário desconhecido com a intenção de evidenciar quando o tratamento radioterápico exclusivo ou o tratamento cirúrgico seguido de radioterapia teriam impacto positivo sobre a sobrevida. Este é um estudo retrospectivo de 54 pacientes com CEM tratados na Seção de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço do Hospital do Câncer/INCa entre 1986 e 1992. Quarenta e oito pacientes (89%) eram do sexo masculino, a idade média foi de 54 anos. Quarenta pacientes tinham metástase para linfonodos cervicais da cadeia jugular interna alta (nível 2). Utilizamos a classificação TNM da UICC de 1992 para estagiar os pacientes, onde oito pacientes foram classificados como N1, vinte como N2, 22 como N3, sendo que quatro pacientes permaneceram não classificados. Todos foram submetidos a endoscopia do trato aerodigestivo superior e raio X de tórax. Trinta e cinco pacientes foram submetidos a biópsia de aspiração com agulha fina. Trinta e oito pacientes tiveram tratamento com intenção curativa e 1.6 tiveram tratamento paliativo com radioterapia. Dos pacientes tratados com intenção curativa, dez foram submetidos a esvaziamento cervical e 28 tiveram tratamento exclusivo com radioterapia. Os 16 pacientes tratados com intenção paliativa foram excluídos dos cálculos de sobrevida e análise das recidivas. As recidivas cervicais foram analisadas usando o método do qui-quadrado, e as curvas de sobrevida foram comparadas usando-se o teste de Wilcoxon. A biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina alcançou o diagnóstico em 85% dos casos. Oito pacientes (15%) apresentaram metástase à distância. O tumor primário foi identificado subseqüentemente em 9% dos pacientes. Dezoito pacientes (64%) tratados com radioterapia exclusiva tiveram recidivas no pescoço, e três pacientes (33%) tratados com cirurgia + radioterapia tiveram recidivas no pescoço. (p=0,05) Os pacientes classificados como N2/N3 tratados com cirurgia + radioterapia tiveram melhores resultados do que os tratados com radioterapia exclusiva (respectivamente p=0,05 e p=0,09). Os pacientes Nl tiveram melhor sobrevida livre de doença do que os pacientes N2/N3 (respectivamente p=0,007 e p=0,OO7). A sobrevida livre de doença em cinco anos foi de 69% para os pacientes Nl, 11 % para os pacientes N2 e 15% para os pacientes N3. A sobrevida livre de doença para todos os estágios foi de 28%. A biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina é um bom meio para diagnóstico e deve ser usada rotineiramente. We reviewed our experience with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (MSCC) to the neck from an occult origin in order to assess whether radiotherapy alone or radiotherapy plus surgery improved the local control of disease. This retrospective study reviewed 54 patients with MSCC treated in our service between 1986 and 1992. Six patients (11%) were female and 48 patients (89%) male. The mean age were 54 years old. Forty patients (74%) had metastasis to level 2. Using the TNM classification of UICC 1992, 8 patients were classified as N1, 20 patients as N2, 22 patients as N3, and 4 patients were unclassified. All patients underwent upper aero-digestive endoscopy and chest X-ray. Thirty-five patients (85%) had fine- needle aspiration biopsy, 11 patients had excisional biopsy and 15 underwent incisional biopsy elsewhere. Thirty-eight patients were treated for cure and 16 patients had palliative treatment with radiotherapy. Ten patients were underwent neck dissection and 28 patients radiotherapy alone. Sixteen patients were treated with radiotherapy and palliative intention and were excluded from the survival and local failure analysis. Neck failure was analyzed using thec² methods, comparing the modalities of treatment (surgery plus rxt, rxt alone), and the differences on diseases free survival were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test Fine-needle biopsy made the diagnosis in 85.3% of the patients. Eight patients (15%) had distant metastasis. Primary carcinomas were identified subsequently in 5 patients (9.4%) Eighteen patients (64%) treated with radiotherapy alone had neck recurrences, 3 patients (33%) treated with surgery + radiotherapy had neck failures, (P=0.05). Control of the neck was better in patients N2 and N3 treated with surgery plus radiotherapy respectively p=0.05 and p=0.09. Comparing the diseases free survival of N 1/N2 patients and N I/N3 patients, the patients staged as N 1 had significant better survival (respectively p=0.007 and p=0.007). The five-year disease free survival was 69%, 11%, 15% for N1/N2/N3 patients, respectively. Disease free survival was 28%forall stages. The fine-needle biopsy was a good method for diagnosis. Control of the neck was better in patients classified as N2 and N3 treated with surgery plus radiotherapy.

Importance: The inclusion of data about the presence of metastatic neck nodes with extracapsular spread (ECS) in the neck dissection improves the prognostic classification of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Objective: To evaluate the prognostic capacity of ECS in patients with HNSCC, and to analyze the usefulness of including this information in the pathological classification of patients treated with a neck dissection. Design: Retrospective unicenter study performed from 1985 through 2007. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Participants: A total of 1190 patients with HNSCC treated with a neck dissection. Intervention: Unilateral or bilateral neck dissection. Main Outcomes and Measures: Adjusted survival and local, regional, and distant metastases-free survival. Patients were classified according to a recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) method, considering pN cat-egory and number of neck nodes with ECS as the independent variables. Results: Five-year adjusted survival for patients without metastatic nodes in the neck dissection (pN0) was 85.5%, for patients with neck node metastases without ECS (pN+/ECS-) it was 62.5%, and for patients with neck node metastases with ECS (pN+/ECS+) it was 29.9%. There were significant differences in survival between patients with pN0 lesions and pN +/ECS- (P

SUMMARY Status of lymph nodes of level IIb was examined to identify the incidence of nodal metastasis and the lymphatic drainage in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue in patients undergoing modified radical neck dissection (MRND) and sentinel node biopsy (SNB). Overall, 72 patients were divided into two groups; 38 patients (Group A) of any T and N+ or T3-T4- N0 stage underwent MRND. The surgical specimens were sent to the Pathology Department, divided into specific levels (I, IIa, IIb, III, IV, V) and labelled. The remaining 34 patients (Group B) T1-T2 -N0 stage were submitted to SNB. The histological examination of the specimens of the two groups was performed by staining with haematoxylin and eosin several sections from each node at different levels and then using a molecular marker such as cytokeratin and Epithelial Membrane Antigen (EMA). In Group A: In N0 there were no occult metastases at level IIb; in N+ neck, 8 cases (33.3%) showed metastasis at level IIb (P = 0.04). Metastases at level IIb were observed only in combination with other levels (P = 0.03). In Group B, direct lymphatic drainage was found in 2 patients (5.9%) at level IIb. There were no occult metastases at level IIb. Out of the 54 sentinel nodes harvested, 4 lymph nodes (7.4%) were found to be metastatic; these 4 sentinel nodes were found respectively in 4 patients, 1 at level III, 3 at level II a with an occult metastasis rate of 11.7%. In conclusion, SNB has prospected a new concept of lymphatic drainage that is variable and individual. SNB has demonstrated that direct lymphatic drainage is possible to level II b. In our experience with early cancer of the tongue (T1-T2 NO ), SNB aided with lympho-scintigraphy seems to be a good technique for staging the neck with minimal morbidity.

Objetivos. Existen en la literatura numerosos estudios en relación con los factores pronósticos implicados en la aparición de metástasis cervicales ipsilaterales en el carcinoma epidermoide de cavidad oral. Sin embargo, no existen estudios clínicos amplios acerca de la asociación de factores clínico-patológicos y la aparición de metástasis cervicales contralaterales tras la resección quirúrgica del tumor primario. El propósito de este estudio es el análisis de los factores implicados en la aparición de metástasis cervical contralateral en pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide de cavidad oral primariamente tratados con cirugía. Pacientes y métodos. Se analizó una serie de 315 pacientes consecutivos con carcinoma epidermoide de la cavidad oral no tratados previamente. Se realizó un estudio complementario del subgrupo de 203 pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide del borde lateral de la lengua libre, por tratarse de un grupo muy prevalente en la serie analizada. Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico con o sin tratamiento radioterápico adyuvante. Varias fueron las variables clínicas e histopatológicas analizadas, como son: las características clínicas del tumor, el estadio tumoral, el grado de diferenciación histológica, el tipo de disección cervical, la supervivencia enfermedad- específica, los márgenes quirúrgicos en la pieza resecada, la extensión ganglionar extracapsular, la diseminación perineural y la afectación ósea. Resultados. La duración media del seguimiento de los pacientes que sobrevivieron fue de 70,9 ± 49,6 meses. Ochenta y tres pacientes murieron a causa de la enfermedad a lo largo del seguimiento. Cuarenta y siete de estos pertenecían al subgrupo de pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide de lengua. Un total de 147 pacientes permanecía vivo sin evidencias de recurrencia de la enfermedad al final del periodo de seguimiento, 116 de los cuales correspondían al subgrupo de pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide de lengua. El tiempo de supervivencia medio libre de enfermedad fue 147± 6 meses. Veintinueve (9,1%) pacientes desarrollaron recurrencia cervical ipsilateral, mientras que 18 (5,69%) mostraron recurrencia cervical contralateral. Para los pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide de lengua, y considerando los porcentajes en relación a los 203 pacientes con esta entidad, estas cifras fueron de 20 (9,8%) y 9 (4,4%), respectivamente. El tiempo medio de aparición de las metástasis cervicales desde la cirugía fue de 12,52 meses (rango: 3-49), algo menor para el subgrupo de pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide de lengua (11,4 meses, rango: 3-27). Dieciocho de los 29 pacientes con recurrencia cervical ipsilateral murieron finalmente de la enfermedad. Siete de 18 pacientes con metástasis contralateral murieron igualmente de la enfermedad. En el subgrupo de pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide de lengua, estas cifras fueron: catorce de 20 pacientes con metástasis cervical ipsilateral y ocho de 9 pacientes con metástasis cervical contralateral. Varios factores clínicopatológicos mostraron asociación estadísticamente significativa (p