Selective Neck Dissection (selective + neck_dissection)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Selective Neck Dissection in the Management of the Clinically Node-Negative Neck ,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2000
A. Sefik Hosal MD
Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the selective neck dissection (SND) in the management of the clinically node-negative neck. Study Design Case histories were evaluated retrospectively. Methods The results of 300 neck dissections performed on 210 patients were studied. Results The primary sites were oral cavity (91), oropharyn- (30), hypopharyn- (16), and laryn- (73). Seventy-one necks (23%) were node positive on pathological e-amination. The number of positive nodes varied from 1 to 9 per side. Of necks with positive nodes, 17 (24%) had e-tracapsular spread. The median follow-up was 41 months. Recurrent disease developed in the dissected neck of 11 patients (4%). Two recurrences developed outside the dissected field. The incidence of regional recurrences was similar in patients in whom nodes were negative on histological e-amination (3%) when compared with patients with positive nodes without e-tracapsular spread (4%). In contrast, regional recurrence developed in 18% of necks with e-tracapsular spread. This observation was statistically significant. Patients having more than two metastatic lymph nodes had a higher incidence of recurrent disease than the patients with carcinoma limited to one or two nodes. Recurrence rate in the pathologically node positive (pN+) necks was comparable to recurrence in those pathologically node negative (pN0) necks in the patients who did not have irradiation. Conclusion SND is effective for controlling neck disease and serves to detect patients who require adjuvant therapy. [source]


Shoulder Disability After Different Selective Neck Dissections (Levels II,IV Versus Levels II,V): A Comparative Study

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 2 2005
Johnny Cappiello MD
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: The objective was to compare the results of clinical and electrophysiological investigations of shoulder function in patients affected by head and neck carcinoma treated with concomitant surgery on the primary and the neck with different selective neck dissections. Study Design: Retrospective study of 40 patients managed at the Department of Otolaryngology, University of Brescia (Brescia, Italy) between January 1999 and December 2001. Methods: Two groups of 20 patients each matched for gender and age were selected according to the type of neck dissection received: patients in group A had selective neck dissection involving clearance of levels II,IV, and patients in group B had clearance of levels II,V. The inclusion criteria were as follows: no preoperative signs of myopathy or neuropathy, no postoperative radiotherapy, and absence of locoregional recurrence. At least 1 year after surgery, patients underwent evaluation of shoulder function by means of a questionnaire, clinical inspection, strength and motion tests, electromyography of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, and electroneurography of the spinal accessory nerve. Statistical comparisons of the clinical data were obtained using the contingency tables with Fisher's Exact test. Electrophysiological data were analyzed by means of Fisher's Exact test, and electromyography results by Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: A slight strength impairment of the upper limb, slight motor deficit of the shoulder, and shoulder pain were observed in 0%, 5%, and 15% of patients in group A and in 20%, 15%, and 15% of patients in group B, respectively. On inspection, in group B, shoulder droop, shoulder protraction, and scapular flaring were present in 30%, 15%, and 5% of patients, respectively. One patient (5%) in group A showed shoulder droop as the only significant finding. In group B, muscle strength and arm movement impairment were found in 25% of patients, 25% showed limited shoulder flexion, and 50% had abnormalities of shoulder abduction with contralateral head rotation. In contrast, only one patient (5%) in group A presented slight arm abduction impairment. Electromyographic abnormalities were less frequently found in group A than in group B (40% vs. 85% [P = .003]), and the distribution of abnormalities recorded in the upper trapezius muscle and sternocleidomastoid muscle was quite different: 20% and 40% in group A versus 85% and 45% in group B, respectively. Only one case of total upper trapezius muscle denervation was observed in group B. In both groups, electroneurographic data from the side of the neck treated showed a statistically significant increase in latency (P = .001) and decrease in amplitude (P = .008) compared with the contralateral side. There was no significant difference in electroneurographic data from the side with and the side without dissection in either group. Even though a high number of abnormalities was found on electrophysiological testing, only a limited number of patients, mostly in group B, displayed shoulder function disability affecting daily activities. Conclusion: The study data confirm that clearance of the posterior triangle of the neck increases shoulder morbidity. However, subclinical nerve impairment can be observed even after selective neck dissection (levels II,IV) if the submuscular recess is routinely dissected. [source]


Effectiveness of selective neck dissection in the treatment of the clinically positive neck

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 9 2008
FRCS ORL-HNS, Rajan S. Patel MBChB
Abstract Background. The aim of this work was to determine whether or not patients treated with therapeutic selective neck dissection for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were oncologically disadvantaged compared with those having comprehensive procedures. Methods. The study involves a retrospective review of 232 therapeutic neck dissections with a minimum of 2 years follow-up. Results. Patients having selective neck dissection had fewer adverse prognostic factors compared with patients having comprehensive dissection (pN2/3, p = .001; and extracapsular spread, p = .001). There were trends toward improved control in the dissected neck (96% vs 86%, p = .06), and disease-specific survival (59% vs 43%, p = .06) following selective neck dissection. Disease-specific survival for all patients was adversely affected by pN classification (p <.001) and extracapsular spread (p <.001). Conclusions. Patients undergoing aggressive neck surgery had more extensive disease. Selective neck dissection can be used to effectively treat clinically positive nodal disease in selected patients. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008 [source]


Selective neck dissection and deintensified postoperative radiation and chemotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer: A subset analysis of the university of pennsylvania transoral robotic surgery trial,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 9 2010
Gregory S. Weinstein MD
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine the regional recurrence rate of node-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and selective neck dissection (SND) followed by observation, radiation, or concurrent chemoradiation. Study Design: A prospective, phase I, single-arm study was conducted. All OPSCC patients who voluntarily participated in a surgical trial with TORS and SND at an academic tertiary referral center from May 2005 to July 2007 were included. Methods: Thirty-one patients with previously untreated OPSCC undergoing TORS and SND (29 unilateral and two bilateral) were included. There were 29 males and two females, with ages ranging from 36 to 76 years (median = 55 years) with one palate, one lateral wall, 17 tonsil, 11 base of tongue, and one vallecula primary tumor classified as follows: T1 (n = 9, 29%), T2 (n = 15, 48.4%), T3 (n = 7, 22.6%), N0 (n = 6, 19.4%), N1 (n = 15, 48.4%), N2b (n = 10, 32.3%), and N2c (n = 1, 3.2%). There were three stage I (9.7%), two stage II (6.5%), 15 stage III (48.4%) and 11 stage IVa (35.5%) patients. Twenty-two patients were treated postoperatively with adjuvant therapy (12 radiation alone and 12 combined radiation and chemotherapy). Primary outcome measured was regional recurrence rate. Results: There was one regional recurrence on the contralateral, non-operated neck and one distant recurrence among the 31 patients who underwent SND. Conclusions: SND after TORS resection of primary OPSCC enables the use of selective and deintensified adjuvant therapy to reduce regional recurrence rates. Laryngoscope, 2010 [source]


Predicting the pattern of regional metastases from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck based on location of the primary

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 10 2010
Ardalan Ebrahimi FRACS
Abstract Background We aimed to analyze the distribution of regional nodal metastases according to primary tumor location in patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Methods Analysis of 295 neck dissections performed for patients with clinically evident regional metastases from cutaneous SCCHN between 1987 and 2009. Results Level I involvement in the absence of level II or III only occurred in patients with facial primaries. In patients with clear nodes in level II,III, the risk of level IV,V involvement was 0.0% for external ear primaries, 2.7% for face and anterior scalp, and 15.8% for posterior scalp and neck. Conclusion In patients undergoing parotidectomy for metastatic cutaneous SCCHN with a clinically negative neck, the results of this study support selective neck dissection including level I,III for facial primaries, level II,III for anterior scalp and external ear primaries, and levels II,V for posterior scalp and neck primaries. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010 [source]


Accessory nerve function after level 2b,preserving selective neck dissection

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 11 2009
Bilge Celik MD
Abstract Background. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the relationship between accessory nerve functions and level 2b,preserving selective neck dissection. Methods. Forty-one necks of 30 patients with laryngeal cancer who underwent unilateral or bilateral level 2b,preserving neck dissections, between February 2003 and July 2005, were evaluated. Neck and shoulder movements and muscle strengths were examined and electroneuromyography (ENMG) was performed preoperatively at the postoperative 21st day and 6th month. Pathological anatomical findings at the postoperative 6th month were also evaluated. Results. All shoulder movements and muscle strengths were preserved. Neck extension, rotation movements, and flexion strengths were restricted. ENMG values were affected moderately in the early postoperative period and improved slightly in the late postoperative period. None of the patients developed shoulder syndrome or adhesive capsulitis. Conclusion. Preserving level 2b during selective neck dissection decreases trauma to the accessory nerve and improves functional results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009 [source]


Effectiveness of selective neck dissection in the treatment of the clinically positive neck

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 9 2008
FRCS ORL-HNS, Rajan S. Patel MBChB
Abstract Background. The aim of this work was to determine whether or not patients treated with therapeutic selective neck dissection for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were oncologically disadvantaged compared with those having comprehensive procedures. Methods. The study involves a retrospective review of 232 therapeutic neck dissections with a minimum of 2 years follow-up. Results. Patients having selective neck dissection had fewer adverse prognostic factors compared with patients having comprehensive dissection (pN2/3, p = .001; and extracapsular spread, p = .001). There were trends toward improved control in the dissected neck (96% vs 86%, p = .06), and disease-specific survival (59% vs 43%, p = .06) following selective neck dissection. Disease-specific survival for all patients was adversely affected by pN classification (p <.001) and extracapsular spread (p <.001). Conclusions. Patients undergoing aggressive neck surgery had more extensive disease. Selective neck dissection can be used to effectively treat clinically positive nodal disease in selected patients. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008 [source]


Transoral laser surgery for supraglottic cancer

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 5 2008
Juan P. Rodrigo MD
Abstract The goal of treatment for supraglottic cancer is to achieve cure and to preserve laryngeal function. Organ preservation strategies include both endoscopic and open surgical approaches as well as radiation and chemotherapy. The challenge is to select the correct modalities for each patient. Endoscopic procedures should be limited to tumors that can be completely visualized during diagnostic microlaryngoscopy. If complete resection can be achieved, the oncologic results of transoral laser surgery appear to be comparable to those of classic supraglottic laryngectomy. In addition, functional results of transoral laser resection are superior to those of the conventional open approach, in terms of the time required to restore swallowing, tracheotomy rate, incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistulae, and shorter hospital stay. The management of the neck remains of paramount importance, as survival of patients with supraglottic cancer depends more on cervical metastasis than on the primary tumor. Most authors advocate bilateral elective neck dissection. However, in selected cases (T1,T2 clinically negative [N0] lateral supraglottic cancers), ipsilateral selective neck dissection could be performed without compromising survival. The authors conclude that with careful selection of patients, laser supraglottic laryngectomy is a suitable, and often the preferred, treatment option for supraglottic cancer. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008 [source]


Ruptured internal jugular vein: A postoperative complication of modified/selected neck dissection

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 5 2003
Suzanne S. Cleland-Zamudio MD
Abstract Background. Postoperative hemorrhage from the internal jugular vein after a modified or selective neck dissection is an infrequent, yet potentially life-threatening, complication. Despite the increasing frequency of modified or selective neck dissections, this complication has not been previously highlighted in the literature. Setting. Tertiary referral academic center. Material and Methods. The records of six patients who experienced this complication were reviewed and analyzed for risk factors that might predict its occurrence. Results. Common risk factors included postoperative pharyngeal fistula formation, significant tobacco history, and poor nutritional status. A more complete circumferential dissection of the vein low in the neck in the presence of hypopharyngeal fistula may place it at a higher risk for rupture. Conclusions. Patients who have a complete circumferential dissection of the internal jugular vein low in the neck and go on to have fistulas develop may be more prone to internal jugular vein rupture. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 000,000, 2003 [source]


Elective treatment of the neck in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: Clinical experience

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 2 2003
Giuseppe Spriano MD
Abstract Background. In head and neck cancer, the best prophylactic treatment for the N0 neck is a subject of debate. Some authors propose lateral selective lymph node dissection (levels II,IV) on the basis of the probability of finding occult metastases in those lymph nodes. A more extensive procedure including Vth level is considered unnecessary because of the low incidence of metastases in the posterior triangle. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 346 N0 patients affected by laryngeal carcinoma and consecutively treated at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Ospedale di Circolo, Varese, Italy. The patients underwent elective selective neck dissection (levels II,V) for a total of 602 dissected heminecks. Result. Seventy heminecks (11.6%) were pN+, and in 10 of 70 cases (14.3%) level V was involved; in 5 of 10 metastases were isolated. Conclusion. Our retrospective study confirms the probabilistic criteria of the incidence of occult metastasis by level in laryngeal cancer. On the basis of our data Vth level nodes, although very rarely, 10 of 604 (1.6%), are involved with laryngeal cancer. Our approach to routinely dissect Vth level nodes is discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 97,102, 2003 [source]


Sentinel node biopsy in oral cavity cancer: Correlation with PET scan and immunohistochemistry

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 1 2003
Francisco J. Civantos MD
Abstract Background. Lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel node biopsy (LS/SNB) is a minimally invasive technique that samples first-echelon lymph nodes to predict the need for more extensive neck dissection. Methods. We evaluated this technique in 18 oral cavity cancers, stages T1,T3, N0. Patients underwent CT and positron emission tomography (PET) of the neck, followed by LS/SNB, frozen section, immediate selective neck dissection, definitive histology, and immunoperoxidase staining for cytokeratin. Histopathology of the sentinel node was correlated with that of the neck specimen. Results. There were 10 true positives: 6 identified on frozen section; 2 on permanent histology; and 2 only on immunoperoxidase staining. In six, the sentinel node was the only positive node. There were seven true negatives and one false negative. Conclusions. Gross tumor replacement of lymph node architecture may obstruct and redirect lymphatic flow. Overall LS/SNB holds promise for oral cancer. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 000,000, 2003 [source]


The distribution of lymph node metastases in supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma: Therapeutic implications

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 10 2002
Luca O. Redaelli de Zinis MD
Abstract Background. The treatment of the neck in cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract is still a matter of controversy, even though nowadays there is a trend in the literature toward elective surgery in the N0 neck when the probability of occult lymph node metastasis is greater than 20%. In the elective setup, every effort is made for preservation of uninvolved nonlymphatic structures in positive neck. The aim of this study is to analyze in a large cohort of patients treated for supraglottic carcinoma the prevalence of lymph node metastases and their distribution through various neck levels to redefine our policy of neck treatment. Methods. A retrospective review of 402 consecutive patients, who underwent surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology of the University of Brescia (Italy) for supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma in a 14-year period, has been performed. The prevalence of neck metastases was assessed by pT category and site (marginal vs vestibular) of the primary tumor. The side(s) of neck disease was related to the side of the primary tumor, whether lateral or central. The distribution of involved lymph nodes through the neck levels was determined. Results. Overall lymph node metastases accounted for 40%; their prevalence rate increased with pT category from 10% to 57% (p = .0001). Occult metastases were found in 26% of N0 patients from 0% in pT1 to 40% in pT4 (p = .02). There was no difference in metastases rate between marginal vs vestibular, and central vs lateral neoplasms, whereas bilateral metastases were more frequent in central tumors (20% vs 5%; p < .0001). Level IV was involved only in association with level II and/or level III. Levels I and V were rarely involved when overt metastases were present and never by occult metastases. Conclusions. Elective lateral neck dissection (levels II,IV) is recommended in T2,T4 N0 supraglottic cancers; clearance of both sides of the neck is indicated whenever the lesion is not strictly lateral. We still perform a selective neck dissection including levels II,V whenever there is clinical, radiologic, or intraoperative evidence of metastases at any level. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 000,000, 2002 [source]


Feasibility of supraomohyoid neck dissection in N1 and N2a oral cancer patients

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 10 2002
Luiz P. Kowalski MD
Abstract Background The use of selective neck dissection in a positive neck is still controversial. The object of this study was to ascertain the possibility of doing this procedure in oral cavity carcinoma with a single clinically metastatic lymph node smaller than 6 cm (N1 and N2a). Patients and Methods From 1970 to 1994, we analyzed 164 oral cavity cancer patients with clinically N1 or N2a stage cancer submitted to radical neck dissection. Results The histologic findings did not confirm a metastatic lymph node in 69 (42.1%) cases (pN0) and showed multiple lymph nodes in 19 (11.6%) cases. Moreover, just one patient (0.6%) had a metastatic lymph node at level IV (one case with multiple lymph nodes) and none at level V. Conclusions Because we did not find a single metastatic lymph node at levels IV and V and there was a high incidence of pN0 (57.4%) in patients with clinical N1 stage at level I, these patients could be candidates for a supraomohyoid neck dissection (extended or not to level IV) instead of radical neck dissection. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


Selective neck dissection and deintensified postoperative radiation and chemotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer: A subset analysis of the university of pennsylvania transoral robotic surgery trial,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 9 2010
Gregory S. Weinstein MD
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine the regional recurrence rate of node-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and selective neck dissection (SND) followed by observation, radiation, or concurrent chemoradiation. Study Design: A prospective, phase I, single-arm study was conducted. All OPSCC patients who voluntarily participated in a surgical trial with TORS and SND at an academic tertiary referral center from May 2005 to July 2007 were included. Methods: Thirty-one patients with previously untreated OPSCC undergoing TORS and SND (29 unilateral and two bilateral) were included. There were 29 males and two females, with ages ranging from 36 to 76 years (median = 55 years) with one palate, one lateral wall, 17 tonsil, 11 base of tongue, and one vallecula primary tumor classified as follows: T1 (n = 9, 29%), T2 (n = 15, 48.4%), T3 (n = 7, 22.6%), N0 (n = 6, 19.4%), N1 (n = 15, 48.4%), N2b (n = 10, 32.3%), and N2c (n = 1, 3.2%). There were three stage I (9.7%), two stage II (6.5%), 15 stage III (48.4%) and 11 stage IVa (35.5%) patients. Twenty-two patients were treated postoperatively with adjuvant therapy (12 radiation alone and 12 combined radiation and chemotherapy). Primary outcome measured was regional recurrence rate. Results: There was one regional recurrence on the contralateral, non-operated neck and one distant recurrence among the 31 patients who underwent SND. Conclusions: SND after TORS resection of primary OPSCC enables the use of selective and deintensified adjuvant therapy to reduce regional recurrence rates. Laryngoscope, 2010 [source]


Planned Postradiotherapy Neck Dissection: Rationale and Clinical Outcomes

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 1 2007
Gregory K. Sewall MD
Abstract Objectives: In this study, we examine pathology results and clinical outcome for patients with locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) who present with advanced neck disease and undergo planned postradiotherapy neck dissection. Study Design: Review of all patients with SCCHN treated with primary radiation (or chemoradiation) and postradiotherapy neck dissection at the University of Wisconsin between 1992 to 2005 was performed. One hundred seven neck dissections were identified in 93 patients, 79 unilateral and 14 bilateral. All major treatment and outcome parameters were examined with particular emphasis on the postradiotherapy neck dissection. Results: Thirty of 107 neck dissection specimens (28%) showed evidence of residual carcinoma on pathologic review. The mean number of lymph nodes identified at neck dissection for the entire cohort was 21 per specimen (range, 1,60) with 1.3 nodes per positive neck dissection demonstrating residual carcinoma. No correlation was found between the type of neck dissection performed and the presence of residual nodal disease. Eighty-two evaluated patients (93%) remain free of regional disease recurrence, whereas six patients have subsequently manifested neck recurrence. Four of the six patients who developed regional recurrence showed residual carcinoma in their neck dissection specimen. Five of these patients underwent comprehensive neck dissection (levels I,V); one underwent selective neck dissection (selective neck dissection, suggest that planned postradiotherapy neck dissection should be strongly considered for patients presenting with advanced neck disease. This remains a prevailing clinical practice at our institution. [source]


Lymphatic Mapping and Sentinel Lymphadenectomy for 106 Head and Neck Lesions: Contrasts Between Oral Cavity and Cutaneous Malignancy,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue S109 2006
FACS, Francisco J. Civantos MD
Abstract Objectives: The objectives of this prospective series were to present our results in 106 sequential cases of lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in the head and neck region and contrast the experience in oral cancer with that for cutaneous lesions. Hypotheses: SLNB has an acceptably low complication rate in the head and neck. Lymphatic mapping and gamma probe-guided lymphadenectomy can improve the management of malignancies of the head and neck by more accurate identification of the nodal basins at risk and more accurate staging of the lymphatics. For appropriately selected patients, radionuclide lymphatic mapping may safely allow for minimally invasive sentinel lymphadenectomy without formal completion selective lymphadenectomy. Methods: One hundred six patients underwent intralesional radionuclide injection and radiologic lymphoscintigraphy (LS) on Institutional Review Board-approved protocols and 103 of these underwent successful SLNB. These included 35 patients with malignant melanoma, 10 cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, four lip cancers, eight Merkel cell carcinomas, two rare cutaneous lesions, and 43 oral cancers. Mean follow up was 24 months. Patients with oral cavity malignancy underwent concurrent selective neck dissection after narrow-exposure sentinel lymph node excision. In this group, the SLNB histopathology could be correlated with the completion neck specimen histopathology. Patients with cutaneous malignancy underwent SLNB alone and only received regional lymphadenectomy based on positive histology or clinical indications. Data were tabulated for anatomic drainage patterns, complications, histopathology, and patterns of cancer recurrence. Results: Surgical complications were rare. No temporary or permanent dysfunction of facial or spinal accessory nerves occurred with sentinel node biopsy. Lymphatic drainage to areas dramatically outside of the expected lymphatic basins occurred in 13.6%. Predictive value of a negative sentinel node was 98.2% for cutaneous malignancies (based on regional recurrence) and 92% with oral cancer (based on pathologic correlation). Gross tumor replacement of lymph nodes and redirection of lymphatic flow represented a significant technical issue in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Sixteen percent of patients with oral cancer were upstaged from N0 to N1 after extended sectioning and immunohistochemistry of the sentinel node. Conclusions: LS and SLNB can be performed with technical success in the head and neck region. Complications are minimal. More accurate staging and mapping of lymphatic drainage may improve the quality of standard lymphadenectomy. The potential for minimally invasive surgery based on this technology exists, but there is a small risk of missing positive disease. Whether the failure rate is greater than that of standard lymphadenectomy without gamma probe guidance is not known. New studies need to focus on refinements of technique and validation of accuracy as well as biologic correlates for the prediction of metastases. [source]


Shoulder Disability After Different Selective Neck Dissections (Levels II,IV Versus Levels II,V): A Comparative Study

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 2 2005
Johnny Cappiello MD
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: The objective was to compare the results of clinical and electrophysiological investigations of shoulder function in patients affected by head and neck carcinoma treated with concomitant surgery on the primary and the neck with different selective neck dissections. Study Design: Retrospective study of 40 patients managed at the Department of Otolaryngology, University of Brescia (Brescia, Italy) between January 1999 and December 2001. Methods: Two groups of 20 patients each matched for gender and age were selected according to the type of neck dissection received: patients in group A had selective neck dissection involving clearance of levels II,IV, and patients in group B had clearance of levels II,V. The inclusion criteria were as follows: no preoperative signs of myopathy or neuropathy, no postoperative radiotherapy, and absence of locoregional recurrence. At least 1 year after surgery, patients underwent evaluation of shoulder function by means of a questionnaire, clinical inspection, strength and motion tests, electromyography of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, and electroneurography of the spinal accessory nerve. Statistical comparisons of the clinical data were obtained using the contingency tables with Fisher's Exact test. Electrophysiological data were analyzed by means of Fisher's Exact test, and electromyography results by Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: A slight strength impairment of the upper limb, slight motor deficit of the shoulder, and shoulder pain were observed in 0%, 5%, and 15% of patients in group A and in 20%, 15%, and 15% of patients in group B, respectively. On inspection, in group B, shoulder droop, shoulder protraction, and scapular flaring were present in 30%, 15%, and 5% of patients, respectively. One patient (5%) in group A showed shoulder droop as the only significant finding. In group B, muscle strength and arm movement impairment were found in 25% of patients, 25% showed limited shoulder flexion, and 50% had abnormalities of shoulder abduction with contralateral head rotation. In contrast, only one patient (5%) in group A presented slight arm abduction impairment. Electromyographic abnormalities were less frequently found in group A than in group B (40% vs. 85% [P = .003]), and the distribution of abnormalities recorded in the upper trapezius muscle and sternocleidomastoid muscle was quite different: 20% and 40% in group A versus 85% and 45% in group B, respectively. Only one case of total upper trapezius muscle denervation was observed in group B. In both groups, electroneurographic data from the side of the neck treated showed a statistically significant increase in latency (P = .001) and decrease in amplitude (P = .008) compared with the contralateral side. There was no significant difference in electroneurographic data from the side with and the side without dissection in either group. Even though a high number of abnormalities was found on electrophysiological testing, only a limited number of patients, mostly in group B, displayed shoulder function disability affecting daily activities. Conclusion: The study data confirm that clearance of the posterior triangle of the neck increases shoulder morbidity. However, subclinical nerve impairment can be observed even after selective neck dissection (levels II,IV) if the submuscular recess is routinely dissected. [source]


Selective Neck Dissection in the Management of the Clinically Node-Negative Neck ,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2000
A. Sefik Hosal MD
Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the selective neck dissection (SND) in the management of the clinically node-negative neck. Study Design Case histories were evaluated retrospectively. Methods The results of 300 neck dissections performed on 210 patients were studied. Results The primary sites were oral cavity (91), oropharyn- (30), hypopharyn- (16), and laryn- (73). Seventy-one necks (23%) were node positive on pathological e-amination. The number of positive nodes varied from 1 to 9 per side. Of necks with positive nodes, 17 (24%) had e-tracapsular spread. The median follow-up was 41 months. Recurrent disease developed in the dissected neck of 11 patients (4%). Two recurrences developed outside the dissected field. The incidence of regional recurrences was similar in patients in whom nodes were negative on histological e-amination (3%) when compared with patients with positive nodes without e-tracapsular spread (4%). In contrast, regional recurrence developed in 18% of necks with e-tracapsular spread. This observation was statistically significant. Patients having more than two metastatic lymph nodes had a higher incidence of recurrent disease than the patients with carcinoma limited to one or two nodes. Recurrence rate in the pathologically node positive (pN+) necks was comparable to recurrence in those pathologically node negative (pN0) necks in the patients who did not have irradiation. Conclusion SND is effective for controlling neck disease and serves to detect patients who require adjuvant therapy. [source]


Prognostic factors in the surgical treatment of patients with oral carcinoma

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 1-2 2009
Rajan S. Patel
Abstract The aim of the study was to analyse the clinical outcome of patients treated surgically for oral carcinoma. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of 356 patients with oral cavity cancer whose clinicopathological information had been collected prospectively onto a dedicated head and neck database. Disease recurrence and survival were assessed. Neck metastases occurred in 42% of patients. Tumour thickness (both 2 and 5 mm) predicted the presence of nodal metastases. Both pathological T stage (P < 0.001) and tumour thickness cut-off of 5 mm (P = 0.03) were independent predictors of disease-specific survival. With a median follow up of 41 months, overall survival at 5 years was 59% and disease-specific survival was 73%. Patients with thick tumours have a high risk of nodal metastases and this supports the liberal use of elective selective neck dissection in patients with clinically negative necks. [source]


Adjuvant irradiation for cervical lymph node metastases from melanoma

CANCER, Issue 7 2003
Matthew T. Ballo M.D.
Abstract BACKGROUND The risk of regional disease recurrence after surgery alone for lymph node metastases from melanoma is well documented. The role of adjuvant irradiation remains controversial. METHODS The medical records of 160 patients with cervical lymph node metastases from melanoma were reviewed retrospectively. Of these, 148 (93%) presented with clinically palpable lymph node metastases. All patients underwent surgery and radiation to a median dose of 30 grays (Gy) at 6 Gy per fraction delivered twice weekly. Surgical resection was either a selective neck dissection in 90 patients or local excision of the lymph node metastasis in 35 patients. Only 35 patients underwent a radical, modified radical, or functional neck dissection. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 78 months, the actuarial local, regional, and locoregional control rates at 10 years were 94%, 94%, and 91%, respectively. Univariate analysis of patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics failed to reveal any association with the subsequent rate of local or regional control. The actuarial disease-specific (DSS), disease-free, and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates at 10 years were 48%, 42%, and 43%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that patients with four or more involved lymph nodes had a significantly worse DSS and DMFS. Nine patients developed a treatment-related complication requiring medical management, resulting in a 5-year actuarial complication-free survival rate of 90%. CONCLUSIONS Adjuvant radiotherapy resulted in a 10-year regional control rate of 94%. Complications for all patients were rare and manageable when they did occur. The authors recommend adjuvant irradiation for patients with extracapsular extension, lymph nodes measuring 3 cm in size or larger, the involvement of multiple lymph nodes, recurrent disease, or any patient having undergone a selective therapeutic neck dissection. Cancer 2003;97:1789,96. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11243 [source]


Supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy for advanced glottic cancer

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 6 2006
Roberto A. Lima MD
Abstract Background. Supracricoid laryngectomy with cri-cohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) is a conservative surgical procedure indicated in selected cases of advanced glottic carcinoma. Methods. This study is a review of our experience with 43 patients with T3/T4 glottic squamous cell carcinoma who underwent CHEP in our institution. All but two patients underwent selective neck dissections. All patients were staged on the basis of the 2002 TNM classification. Rates of recurrence and death were estimated by the Kaplan,Meier method. Results. The 5-year disease-specific survival and 5-year relapse-free survival rates were 78% and 83%, respectively. Neck metastases were found in three patients. Cartilage invasion occurred in 11 cases. The average length of hospital stay was 5.7 days. The mean time of enteral feeding tube was 33.8 days, and the mean time for tracheotomy was 29.6 days. Overall, normal swallowing was achieved in 74.4% of patients. Eleven patients had mild and major complications. Laryngeal stenosis emerged as the most frequent major complication. Three patients (6.9%) had local recurrences. Two patients (4.6%) had neck metastases. Conclusions. On the basis of this study, over a 7-year period with 43 patients with advanced glottic cancer, a successful on-cologic outcome is confirmed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 28: 481,486, 2006 [source]


Ruptured internal jugular vein: A postoperative complication of modified/selected neck dissection

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 5 2003
Suzanne S. Cleland-Zamudio MD
Abstract Background. Postoperative hemorrhage from the internal jugular vein after a modified or selective neck dissection is an infrequent, yet potentially life-threatening, complication. Despite the increasing frequency of modified or selective neck dissections, this complication has not been previously highlighted in the literature. Setting. Tertiary referral academic center. Material and Methods. The records of six patients who experienced this complication were reviewed and analyzed for risk factors that might predict its occurrence. Results. Common risk factors included postoperative pharyngeal fistula formation, significant tobacco history, and poor nutritional status. A more complete circumferential dissection of the vein low in the neck in the presence of hypopharyngeal fistula may place it at a higher risk for rupture. Conclusions. Patients who have a complete circumferential dissection of the internal jugular vein low in the neck and go on to have fistulas develop may be more prone to internal jugular vein rupture. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 000,000, 2003 [source]


Shoulder Disability After Different Selective Neck Dissections (Levels II,IV Versus Levels II,V): A Comparative Study

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 2 2005
Johnny Cappiello MD
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: The objective was to compare the results of clinical and electrophysiological investigations of shoulder function in patients affected by head and neck carcinoma treated with concomitant surgery on the primary and the neck with different selective neck dissections. Study Design: Retrospective study of 40 patients managed at the Department of Otolaryngology, University of Brescia (Brescia, Italy) between January 1999 and December 2001. Methods: Two groups of 20 patients each matched for gender and age were selected according to the type of neck dissection received: patients in group A had selective neck dissection involving clearance of levels II,IV, and patients in group B had clearance of levels II,V. The inclusion criteria were as follows: no preoperative signs of myopathy or neuropathy, no postoperative radiotherapy, and absence of locoregional recurrence. At least 1 year after surgery, patients underwent evaluation of shoulder function by means of a questionnaire, clinical inspection, strength and motion tests, electromyography of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, and electroneurography of the spinal accessory nerve. Statistical comparisons of the clinical data were obtained using the contingency tables with Fisher's Exact test. Electrophysiological data were analyzed by means of Fisher's Exact test, and electromyography results by Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: A slight strength impairment of the upper limb, slight motor deficit of the shoulder, and shoulder pain were observed in 0%, 5%, and 15% of patients in group A and in 20%, 15%, and 15% of patients in group B, respectively. On inspection, in group B, shoulder droop, shoulder protraction, and scapular flaring were present in 30%, 15%, and 5% of patients, respectively. One patient (5%) in group A showed shoulder droop as the only significant finding. In group B, muscle strength and arm movement impairment were found in 25% of patients, 25% showed limited shoulder flexion, and 50% had abnormalities of shoulder abduction with contralateral head rotation. In contrast, only one patient (5%) in group A presented slight arm abduction impairment. Electromyographic abnormalities were less frequently found in group A than in group B (40% vs. 85% [P = .003]), and the distribution of abnormalities recorded in the upper trapezius muscle and sternocleidomastoid muscle was quite different: 20% and 40% in group A versus 85% and 45% in group B, respectively. Only one case of total upper trapezius muscle denervation was observed in group B. In both groups, electroneurographic data from the side of the neck treated showed a statistically significant increase in latency (P = .001) and decrease in amplitude (P = .008) compared with the contralateral side. There was no significant difference in electroneurographic data from the side with and the side without dissection in either group. Even though a high number of abnormalities was found on electrophysiological testing, only a limited number of patients, mostly in group B, displayed shoulder function disability affecting daily activities. Conclusion: The study data confirm that clearance of the posterior triangle of the neck increases shoulder morbidity. However, subclinical nerve impairment can be observed even after selective neck dissection (levels II,IV) if the submuscular recess is routinely dissected. [source]


External Beam Radiation Followed by Planned Neck Dissection and Brachytherapy for Base of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 10 2000
David M. Kaylie MD
Abstract Background Surgical resection of tongue base cancer can leave the patient with significant functional deficits. Other therapies, such as external beam radiation followed by neck dissection and radiation implants, have shown equal tumor control with good functional outcome. Methods Between March 1991 and July 1999, 12 patients at Oregon Health Sciences University, the Portland Veterans Administration Medical Center and West Virginia University School of Medicine Hospital were treated with external beam radiation followed by neck dissection and Ir192 implants. Two patients had T1 disease, two had T2, five patients had T3 tumors, and three had T4 tumors. Six had N2a necks, three had N2b necks, and three had N2c. Follow-up ranged from 13 months to 8 years. Results After external beam radiation, five patients had complete response and seven had partial response in the neck without complications. One patient underwent a unilateral radical neck dissection, eight had unilateral selective neck dissections involving levels I to IV, and three had dissections involving levels I to III. One of the five patients who had a complete clinical response in the neck had pathologically positive nodes. One patient had a pulmonary embolus that was treated and had no permanent sequelae. There were three complications from brachytherapy. Two patients had soft tissue necrosis at the primary site and one patient had radionecrosis of the mandible. All healed without further therapy. One patient had persistent disease and underwent a partial glossectomy but died of local disease. Distant metastasis developed in two patients. All others show no evidence of disease and are able to eat a normal diet by mouth. Conclusion This combination of therapies should be considered when treating tongue base cancer. [source]