Sentinel lymph node evaluation in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Publication

Sentinel lymph node evaluation in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Journal Paper/Review - Sep 1, 2001

Stöckli Sandro, Steinert H, Pfaltz M, Schmid S

Citation

Stöckli S, Steinert H, Pfaltz M, Schmid S. Sentinel lymph node evaluation in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2001; 125:221-6.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2001; 125

Publication Date

Sep 1, 2001

Issn Print

0194-5998

Pages

221-6

Brief description/objective

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility of sentinel lymph node (SLN) radiolocalization in N0 neck in squamous cell head and neck carcinoma and its predictive value for occult metastasis. STUDY DESIGN: Nineteen patients of an open prospective trial. SETTING: After peritumoral injection of a 99m Tc labeled radiocolloid, the SLN was localized preoperatively by lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperatively through the intact skin by a hand-held gamma-probe. The histology of the SLN and the nodes of the elective neck dissection were compared. RESULTS: Localization of the SLN by lymphoscintigraphy was possible in 18 of 19, and with the hand-held gamma-probe in all 19 patients. Six SLN revealed occult metastatic disease. No skip metastasis were found in the 13 neck specimen with negative SLN. CONCLUSION: SLN evaluation in N0 neck in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is accurately feasible and seems to adequately predict the presence of occult metastasis.