The role of suprahyoid block dissection in carcinoma of the floor of the mouth

Abstract

The efficacy of suprahyoid block dissection combined with radiotherapy, in the management of neck nodal disease was evaluated in 15 patients with carcinoma of the floor of mouth (abutting on the mandible) between 1983 and 1989. Ten males and 5 females had a mean age of 60.3 years. Suprahyoid block dissection was performed in 10 patients as initial treatment. Nine of these presented with a submandibular mass and one patient with a T4NO lesion had a prophylactic block performed. Suprahyoid block dissection was performed in five patients who developed a submandibular mass after completion of surgery and radiotherapy. Wound sepsis occurred in three patients, but resolved with conservative treatment. Clinical assessment of the suprahyoid mass was accurate in 65% of patients. Nodal recurrence occurred in one patient. Seven patients are alive and disease free after a mean of 64.5 months. Two other patients are alive, one with lung metastases, and one with a supraclavicular mass. Six patients have died, two of whom developed local recurrence, one who developed a supraclavicular mass, one after nodal recurrence, one with lung metastases, and one of an unrelated cause. Suprahyoid block dissection combined with radiotherapy is effective treatment for nodal control of patients with carcinoma of the floor of mouth. This procedure is associated with a low morbidity.