Supraomohyoid Neck Dissection in the Management of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Special Consideration for Skip Metastases at Level IV or V

Selective versus comprehensive neck dissection in the treatment of patients with a pathologically node-positive neck with or without microscopic extracapsular spread in oral squamous cell carcinoma

“…7,8 In a recent study on oral cancer, we found that selective supraomohyoid neck dissection (levels I-III) for cN0, and even for the selected cN+ neck, is an appropriate treatment because of its preservation of function and cosmesis without impairing effectiveness. 9 However, in that previous study, the best modality of neck management for pN+ patients with ECS was not discussed.…”

Nodal Yield: Is it a Prognostic Factor for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

“…1 It is well known that lymph node metastases are the most important prognostic factor in head and neck cancer. [2][3][4][5] Recently, it was reported that lymph node yield (LNY) was likely an independent prognostic factor in patients undergoing neck dissection for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Some investigators believe that a nodal yield higher than 20, in addition to increased age, male gender, and primary site, correspond to an increased likelihood of cervical metastases in earlystage HNSCC.…”

Immunohistochemical detection of lymph node‐DTCs in patients with node‐negative HNSCC

“…For instance, in case of an oral cavity tumor, these routes start at level IB and continue through levels IIA and III to end up at level IV and eventually VB . Finally, we checked whether an anatomical level or levels between the primary tumor site and the location of the LN‐DTC were skipped, since skipping of sub‐anatomical levels by lymphatic metastasis can potentially occur in HNSCC . No skipping of lymphatic stations was observed in 10 (66%), whereas it was found in 5 patients (33%; one level was omitted in four and two consecutive levels in one patient; Table ).…”