Abstract
BackgroundOptimum management of clinically negative neck (cN0) remains controversial in early stage (T1-T2) squamous cell cancer of the oral tongue (OTSCC).The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of pre-treatment Neutrophil-to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting occult cervical metastasis in stage I and II OTSCC. MethodsWe carried out a retrospective chart review on 110 patients suffering from early stage OTSCC who were surgically treated with tumour excision and elective neck dissection (END). Our cohort was divided in pN+ and pN0 groups basing on histopathological examination after elective neck dissection. For each patient pre-treatment NLR was calculated. ResultsA statistically significant relationship between high levels of pre-treatment NLR and probability rate for neck occult metastases (0.000496 p-value) has been found. On our model the cut-off value was set for NLR >2.93. Above this level the probability to finding metastasis in a clinically negative neck increases exponentially. ConclusionThese preliminary results offer clinicians an easily obtainable tool to stratify patients based on risks of metastatic node in whom END could be indicated.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
