Frequency and therapeutic implications of skip metastases in the neck from squamous carcinoma of the oral tongue

摘要: Background Supraomohyoid neck dissection is an adequate operation for the elective treatment of patients with oral cavity cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma tongue, however, may metastasize to clinically negative nodes in 20% 30% patients. These usually are located levels I–III. Methods The medical records 277 previously untreated squamous tongue were reviewed between years 1970 and 1990. All had a glossectomy as part their initial treatment. Patients evaluated findings neck. The following group included: (1) who level III positive, without disease I II; (2) IV; (3) IIB or IIIB, and; (4) electively dissected whose did not demonstrate any pathologically involved nodes, but IV was included patient subsequently developed positive IV. Results Of all patients, 15.8% either metastasis only manifestation node present I–II. Conclusion The usual supraomohyoid inadequate complete pathologic evaluation at risk tongue. This create dilemma determining whether postoperative radiotherapy necessary. Consequently, should have I–IV removed if therapy. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 19: 14–19, 1997.