title: A needle free system for cervical lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
abstract: The techniques of lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy are finding increasing utility in the management of the loco-regional lymphatics in many areas of oncology. Our unit is currently investigating their feasibility in relation to the management of the clinically node negative neck in oral squamous cell carcinoma. In order to reduce patient discomfort, and to remove the possibility of sharps injury, particularly in the high-risk patient, we report the use of a needle free device for the intra-oral delivery of the radiopharmaceutical. We believe that this is the first report using such a device in the oral cavity for the purpose of lymphoscintigraphy, and that it has significant advantages over the conventional hypodermic needle in certain patient groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, St. George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT, UK. nicholas.hyde@stgeorges.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Nicholas C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Hyde
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Prvulovich
authors.forename: Mohammad R S
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Keshtgar
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000556:secondary; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18