title: Sentinel node biopsy in oral cavity cancer: correlation with PET scan and immunohistochemistry.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel node biopsy (LS/SNB) is a minimally invasive technique that samples first-echelon lymph nodes to predict the need for more extensive neck dissection.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated this technique in 18 oral cavity cancers, stages T1-T3, N0. Patients underwent CT and positron emission tomography (PET) of the neck, followed by LS/SNB, frozen section, immediate selective neck dissection, definitive histology, and immunoperoxidase staining for cytokeratin. Histopathology of the sentinel node was correlated with that of the neck specimen.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 10 true positives: 6 identified on frozen section; 2 on permanent histology; and 2 only on immunoperoxidase staining. In six, the sentinel node was the only positive node. There were seven true negatives and one false negative.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gross tumor replacement of lymph node architecture may obstruct and redirect lymphatic flow. Overall LS/SNB holds promise for oral cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Hospital and Clinics/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1475 NW 12 Avenue, Suite 4027, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
authors.forename: Francisco J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Civantos
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gomez
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Duque
authors.forename: Felipe
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pedroso
authors.forename: William Jarrard
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Goodwin
authors.forename: Donald T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Weed
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Moffat
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed