Validation of sentinel lymph node biopsy with completion neck dissection in oral cavity cancer

Pamuk A. E., Tellioğlu B., Eroğlu E., Kuşcu O., Süslü N., Tuncel M., ...Daha Fazla

ACTA OTO-LARYNGOLOGICA, cilt.1, sa.1, ss.1-6, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 1 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/00016489.2025.2556821
  • Dergi Adı: ACTA OTO-LARYNGOLOGICA
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE, Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-6
  • Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background 

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is increasingly used in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) as a minimally invasive approach that may reduce overtreatment and morbidity compared to elective neck dissection (END).

Aim 

This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of SLNB in clinically node-negative (cN0) OCSCC and its utility in mapping lymphatic drainage, particularly in advanced tumors.

Methods 

A retrospective cohort of 57 cN0 OCSCC patients undergoing SLNB followed by completion neck dissection was analysed.

Results 

In early-stage tumors (T1/T2), SLNB demonstrated 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value, with an occult metastasis rate of 23.8%. No false negatives were observed, and only one patient was upstaged. In T3/T4 tumors, sensitivity and NPV decreased to 55.6% and 60%. The false-negative rate (FNR), calculated as the proportion of false negatives among patients with histopathologically confirmed nodal metastases, was 44.4%. Contralateral or bilateral drainage occurred in 40% of well-lateralized advanced tumors, reflecting altered drainage with progression.

Conclusion 

SLNB is a reliable staging tool in early OCSCC. In advanced disease, although diagnostic accuracy is reduced, it provides valuable information on atypical drainage pathways.