Sentinel node navigation surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The cervical lymph node (CLN) status is one of the most important prognostic factors in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography have been used in this context. These modalities, though helpful, have not proved to be completely reliable. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy combined with lymphoscintigraphy may be a minimally invasive technique that samples the first echelon lymph nodes to diagnose the CLN status.