Sentinel lymph node biopsy as an alternative to wait and see policy in patients with small T1 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.
CONCLUSIONS
Although sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is not yet validated for clinical use to replace elective neck dissection in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, it can be recommended for patients who do not fulfil the criteria for elective neck treatment according to current treatment protocols.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the benefits of SLN biopsy in oral cancer patients who have a small risk for occult metastasis and therefore are not considered candidates for elective neck treatment.


METHODS
Thirteen consecutive patients with a small T1 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, clinically staged NO, and who did not meet the indications for elective neck treatment, underwent SLN biopsy. The SLNs were cut at 1-2 mm intervals and stained with haematoxylin and eosin and cytokeratin AE1/AE3.


RESULTS
Histopathological examination of SLNs revealed micrometastases in two patients. A selective neck dissection was performed on these patients and no further metastases were encountered. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 12 months and no cervical or other recurrences were encountered.
Keski-Säntti
Harri
H
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. harri.keski-santti@hus.fi
Kontio
Risto
R
Leivo
Ilmo
I
Törnwall
Jyrki
J
Mätzke
Sorjo
S
Mäkitie
Antti A
AA
Atula
Timo
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D037981:Neck Dissection; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy