Evaluation of neck node metastasis from oral cancer in an Indian population: A comparative pilot study

Introduction: Cervical node metastasis in oral cancer is an indicator of advanced disease. It is therefore important to evaluate neck node involvement as a predictor of progression and treatment planning.

Materials & Methods: Eleven patients with age range between 38 to 63 years (median age 54 years) undergoing neck dissection simultaneously with the resection of primary intraoral squamous cell carcinoma formed the basis of the present study. A pre-operative assessment of neck by clinical examination, ultrasonography and computed tomography scan was done, which was then compared to the histopathological assessment. The histopathological examination formed the reference.

Results: The percentage of sensitivity by clinical examination was 46%. The percentage of sensitivity by ultrasonogram was 69%. The percentage of sensitivity by computed tomography (CT scan) was 85%. These were against the histopathological examination.

Conclusion: The study reported an error of almost 50% for the clinical examination alone. The margin of error decreases when combining ultrasonography or CT scan in the examination. However, in the existing economic condition in India, even the use of CT scan can be prohibitive. Nevertheless, it is advised to combine other diagnostic modalities during the clinical examination of cervical metastasis.

Key-words:

cancer - cervical metastasis - nodal metastasis - squamous cell carcinoma - ultrasound and CT scan in oral cancer.

Publication History

Received: 20 September 2009

Accepted: 26 October 2009

Article published online:
23 May 2022