title: Diagnostic Efficacy of Computed Tomography in Detecting Cervical Metastases in Clinically N0 Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
abstract: The search for a single non-invasive highly accurate diagnostic modality for identification of cervical metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is yet to bear fruit. Thirty proven cases of HNSCC with no palpable neck nodes were selected, requiring surgery for the primary tumour. Detailed clinical evaluation and contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scans were done. Patients underwent elective neck dissection along with surgery for the primary tumour. Specimens were sent for histopathological examination (HPE), considered gold standard. Results of CECT were compared with HPE. Clinical examination had a NPV of 80 % and CECT had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 83, 75, 45.5, 94.7, and 76.7 % respectively. A CECT may be added to the initial assessment of a patient of HNSCC, allowing for earlier diagnosis of nodal metastasis that may allow for a better chance at survival.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Loknayak, G.N.E.C., and GB Pant Hospitals, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, 110002 Delhi India.
authors.forename: Eishaan K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Bhargava
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Loknayak, G.N.E.C., and GB Pant Hospitals, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, 110002 Delhi India.
authors.forename: Praveen K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Rathore
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Loknayak, G.N.E.C., and GB Pant Hospitals, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, 110002 Delhi India.
authors.forename: Anoop
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Raj
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Loknayak, G.N.E.C., and GB Pant Hospitals, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, 110002 Delhi India.
authors.forename: Ravi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Meher
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Loknayak, G.N.E.C., and GB Pant Hospitals, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, 110002 Delhi India.
authors.forename: Kanika
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rana
keywords: Cervical lymph node; Clinically node negative; Computed tomography; Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; Metastasis