Results: Among 1283 patients, 182 (14.2%) had nodal involvement at presentation (4-27% by site and local extension). T-stage alone was associated with higher rates of nodal involvement in maxillary sinus SCC, while higher T-stage and size >2 cm were associated with higher rates of nodal involvement in nasal cavity SCC on multivariable analysis. Facial nodes and cervical nodes at levels 1 and 2 have the highest rates of involvement in T4a nasal cavity SCC, whereas nodal levels 1, 2, and/or 3 have the highest rates of involvement in T2 or higher maxillary sinus SCC when compared with a clinical reference standard.
Conclusion:In this population-based study, there are high rates of initial nodal involvement when stratified by local extent determined by T-stage in nasal cavity SCC and maxillary sinus SCC, and independently by size in nasal cavity SCC. Involvement of the facial and nodal levels 1-3 varies depending on site and local extent of tumor involvement. These observations may help guide treatment decision making in the inclusion of and extent of elective nodal treatment fields.