[Cervical management in the N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue].
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether the elective neck dissection would be beneficial as a routine management in the N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.


METHODS
Cox regression model was used for analysis of tongue cancer cases treated by our hospital in a period from 1958 to 1996.


RESULTS
Size of primary tumor and preoperative radiation showed significant difference in relation to cervical lymph node recurrence or metastasis. Neck dissection in the series was not a factor to influence the rate of cervical recurrence or survival. 5-years survival was 73.5% versus 69.3% in patients who underwent elective neck dissection and those without neck dissection (difference not statistically significant).


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that elective neck dissection would be avoided in T1 or T2 patients who have no neck node metastases.
Wu
Y
Y
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100021.
Tu
G
G
Tang
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome