Prediction of subclinical regional lymph node metastasis in stage I/II squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue based on clinical findings

Background: Although tumour depth appears to be a powerful predictor of regional lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue, measurement is usually based on histological findings following surgical resection. The predictive value of clinical findings on lymph node metastasis in the absence of surgical intervention is unclear. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 90 previously untreated cases of stage I/II squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue to analyse the relationship between greatest dimension, growth pattern, depth of tumour and regional lymph node metastasis. Results: Lymph node metastasis was recognised in 15 of 90 cases. A positive correlation between greatest dimension and tumour depth was seen for endophytic-type tumours only. Logistic regression analysis revealed that growth pattern was an independent predictor of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0014). Conclusion: Combination analysis of tumour growth pattern and greatest dimension may predict lymph node metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue.