[The sentinel node in cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx].
OBJECTIVE
The evaluation of the importance of the prognostic of sentinel node biopsy in head and neck cancer with N0 neck.


METHODS
Prospective study included 19 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx without enlarged lymph nodes in ultrasound examination (N0). The study was carried out in ENT Department of Medical University in Poznań between 2001-2004. Each patient underwent lymphoscintigraphy after administration of radionuclide Technetium 99m (Nanocol). In case of detection of sentinel node, blue dye was injected into the tumour bed and dyed lymph nodes were removed. The specimens were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically. The patients are still followed up.


RESULTS
So far 19 patients were included in our study. The tumours were classified from T1 to T4. In each case sentinel nodes were located. Metastases in removed lymphnodes were found in 5 patients. In one of them regional recidive was observed after 5 month. In the other patients no changes were found in follow up examination. In 14 cases in histological examination no metastases were found in sentinel nodes. In this group in one case local recurrence was observed and in another two lymph nodes metastases were confirmed. In patients with positive sentinel node elective neck dissection was performed. So far immunohistochemical examination has not provided us with any vital information. In no case with negative sentinel node we found micrometastases with the use of cytokeratin.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on our preliminary observation of the patients we have found that there is certain correlation confirming the fact that sentinel node may be reliable for the whole neck lymphatic system. Further clinical observation are needed based on a larger number of patients and longer observation period.
Mielcarek-Kuchta
Daniela
D
Katedra i Klinika Otolaryngologii i Onkologii Laryngologicznej AM w Poznaniu.
Szyfter
Witold
W
Manasterskil
Jerzy
J
Kaczmarek
Janusz
J
Wójtowicz
Jerzy G
JG
Czepczyński
Rafał
R
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D013669:Technetium Tc 99m Medronate
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013669:Technetium Tc 99m Medronate