Comprehensive Neck Dissection Research Articles

Elective parotidectomy and neck dissection are not beneficial in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head

ObjectiveCutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC), a tumor with a significantly increasing incidence, is mostly diagnosed in the head region, where tumors have a worse prognosis and a higher risk of metastases. The presence of metastases reduces specific five-year survival from 99% to 50%. As the risk of occult metastases does not exceed 10%, elective dissection of the tributary parotid and neck lymph nodes is not recommended. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed a group of 12 patients with cSCC of the head after elective dissections of regional (parotid and cervical) nodes by means of superficial parotidectomy and selective neck dissection. ResultsWe diagnosed occult metastases neither in the cervical nor parotid nodes in any patient. None were diagnosed as a regional recurrence during the follow-up period. ConclucionOur negative opinion on elective parotidectomy and neck dissection in cSCC of the head is in agreement with the majority of published studies. These elective procedures are not indicated even for tumors showing the presence of known (clinical and histological) risk factors for lymphogenic spread, as their positive predictive value is too low. Elective parotidectomy is individually considered as safe deep surgical margin. If elective parotidectomy is planned it should include only the superficial lobe. Completion parotidectomy and elective neck dissection are done in rare cases of histologically confirmed parotid metastasis in the parotid specimen. Preoperatively diagnosed parotid metastases without neck involvement are sent for total parotidectomy and elective selective neck dissection. Cases of clinically evident neck metastasis with no parotid involvement, are referred for comprehensive neck dissection and elective superficial parotidectomy. The treatment of concurrent parotid and cervical metastases includes total conservative parotidectomy and comprehensive neck dissection. Level of evidenceHow common is the problem?Step 4 (Case-series)Is this diagnostic or monitoring test accurate? (Diagnosis)Step 4 (poor or non-independent reference standard)What will happen if we do not add a therapy? (Prognosis)Step 4 (Case-series)Does this intervention help? (Treatment Benefits)Step 4 (Case-series)What are the COMMON harms? (Treatment Harms)Step 4 (Case-series)What are the RARE harms? (Treatment Harms)Step 4 (Case-series)Is this (early detection) test worthwhile? (Screening)Step 4 (Case-series)

Is selective neck dissection effective for N1 (Level Ⅰ)? A systematic review

ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness of selective neck dissection (SND) and comprehensive neck dissection (CND) in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma N1 (Level I). MethodsRandomized controlled trials and prospective and retrospective non-randomized clinical studies were selected and evaluated for the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. ResultsWe included one observational study. The analysis revealed no difference in survival rates (overall survival, disease-specific survival, and regional control) between SND and CND for oral squamous cell carcinoma N1 (level I) cases. In the included study, the risk of bias was high, total sample size was small, and certainty of evidence was rated as "very low.". ConclusionThis systematic review and analysis suggested no difference in effectiveness between SND and CND; however, a high certainty of evidence could not be determined. Such evidence needs to be established through future systematic reviews, including randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Incidence of Level-Specific Cervical Nodal Metastasis in Primary Parotid Malignancies.

In primary parotid gland malignancies, the incidence of level-specific cervical lymph node metastasis in clinically node-positive necks remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the incidence of level-specific cervical node metastasis in clinically node-negative (cN0) and node-positive (cN+) patients who presented with primary parotid malignancies. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane). Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate pooled estimate incidence of level-specific nodal metastasis for parotid malignancies with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses of cN0 and cN+ were performed. Thirteen publications consisting of 818 patients were included. The overall incidence of cervical nodal involvement in all neck dissections was 47% (95% CI, 31%-63%). Amongthose who were cN+, the incidence of nodal positivity was 89% (95% CI, 75%-98%). Those who were cN0 had an incidence of 32% (95% CI, 14%-53%). In cN+ patients, the incidence of nodal metastasis was high at all levels (level I 33%, level II 73%, level III 48%, level IV 39%, and level V 37%). In cN0 patients, the incidence of nodal metastasis was highest at levels II (28%) and III (11%). For primary parotid malignancies, the incidence of occult metastases was 32% compared to 89% in a clinically positive neck. It is recommended that individuals with a primary parotid malignancy requiring elective treatment of the neck have a selective neck dissection which involves levels II to III, with the inclusion of level IV based on clinical judgment. Those undergoing a therapeutic neck dissection should undergo a comprehensive neck dissection (levels I-V).

Patterns of Lymph Node Metastasis in Parotid Cancer and Implications for Extent of Neck Dissection.

The role and extent of neck dissection in primary parotid cancer are controversial. Herein, we characterize patterns of lymph node metastasis in parotid cancer. Retrospective analysis. National Cancer Database. Patients with the 6 most common histologic subtypes of parotid cancer were selected. Primary outcomes were the distribution of positive lymph nodes by level and overall survival assessed by Cox analysis. Secondary outcomes included predictors of extended lymph node involvement (≥3 lymph nodes or Level IV/V involvement), via logistic regression. Six thousand nine hundred seventy-sevenpatients with acinic cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CExPA), mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) were included. Among cN0 patients, 8.2% of low-grade tumor patients had occult nodal metastasis versus 30.9% in high-grade tumor patients. Elective neck dissection was not associated with an overall survival benefit (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.10; 0.94-1.30, p = .238). Among cN+ tumors, CExPA (odds ratio [OR]: 1.88, 1.05-3.39, p = .034) and high-grade pathology (OR: 3.03, 1.87-4.93, p < .001) were predictive of having ≥3 pathologic nodes. CExPA (OR: 2.13, 1.22-3.72, p = .008), adenocarcinoma (OR: 1.60, 1.11-2.31, p = .013), SDC (OR: 1.92, 1.17-3.14, p < .01), and high-grade pathology (OR: 3.61, 2.19-5.97, p < .001) were predictive of Level IV/V neck involvement. In parotid malignancy, nodal metastasis distribution is dependent on histology and grade. High-grade tumors and certain histologies (SDC and adenocarcinoma) had a higher incidence of occult nodes. Comprehensive neck dissection should also be considered for node-positive high-grade tumors, SDC, and adenocarcinoma.

Specific Selective Neck Dissection for Isolated Regional Failure in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma after Radiation.

To assess whether specific selective neck dissection (SND) with involved levels is a feasible treatment for isolated regional failure in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiation. Between January 2011 and December 2019, a total of 46 patients were assigned to undergo SND in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at our center. The dissection extent of specific SND usually only involved levels of lymph node sites for isolated regional failure; in addition, lesions of level II or III involved removing both level II and III lymph nodes. The patients' clinical, MRI and pathological characteristics, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and regional-free survival (RFS) were evaluated and analyzed. Level II was the most commonly involved cervical nodal region in 28 neck dissection specimens (54.9%), followed by level III with positive nodes in 11 specimens (21.6%). Eleven patients (34.8%) had post-SND locoregional recurrence without distant metastasis. Of the patients, 7 patients (30.4%) had regional recurrence, and only one patient (2.8%) had lymph node recurrence on the side of SND. In addition, 8 patients (17.4%) had post-SND distant metastasis. The OS, DFS, and RFS of the patients were 76.1%, 58.7%, and 69.6%, respectively, at 3 years. The OS, DFS, and RFS values of patients who underwent SND were similar to those of patients who underwent comprehensive neck dissection (CND) and/or SND in published articles. Specific SND was shown to be an effective and feasible treatment for isolated regional failure in NPC.

Clinical study on the pattern of lower-level lymphatic metastasis in primary tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

To study and analyze the clinical patterns of lower-level lymph node (Ⅳ and Ⅴ) metastasis in primary tongue squamous cell carcinoma, and establish a reference for the decision-making of the lower-level neck dissection in tongue squamous cell carcinoma. A total of 203 patients with primary tongue squamous cell carcinoma were recruited. These patients underwent simultaneous/secondary comprehensive neck (level Ⅰ-Ⅴ) dissection in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2010 to December 2015. Their clinicopathological and follow-up data were obtained and analyzed to reveal the prognosis and risk factors of primary tongue squamous cell carcinoma with lower-level lymph node metastasis. Among the 203 patients, the metastasis rates of levels Ⅳ and Ⅴ are 14.78% and 4.93%, respectively. Level Ⅳ metastasis is more prevalent in males than females (P=0.04); non-smokers are more likely to have level Ⅴ metastasis than smokers (P=0.046). Lymph node status in levels Ⅲ and Ⅳ are significantly associated with the risk of metastasis in level Ⅴ (P=0.001). Patients with extracapsular invasion in level Ⅲ have a significantly increased risk of metastasis in levels Ⅳ (P=0.014) and Ⅴ (P=0.026). The 5-year survival rate of patients with lower lymph node (Ⅳ/Ⅴ) metastasis is only 14.70%, which is an independent poor prognostic factor for patients with primary tongue squamous cell carcinoma (P<0.000 1). Most primary tongue squamous cell carcinoma metastases occur in levels Ⅰ-Ⅲ. However, the rate of lower-level lymph node metastasis is rather low. For the cN0 and cN+ patients with levels Ⅰ-Ⅱ lymph node metastases without extracapsular invasion, the strategy for level Ⅴ management may be observation rather than dissection.

Selective Neck Dissection for Node-Positive Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction Selective neck dissection in clinically node-negative neck is considered the standard of care for oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Controversy still prevails in node-positive disease regarding the extent of neck dissection. In our part of the world, comprehensive neck dissection is mostly considered to be the minimal optimal treatment for palpable neck disease. Objective To compare regional control and disease-specific survival between clinically node-positive and node-negative patients undergoing selective neck dissection for oral SCC. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in the department of ENT, Head and Neck surgery at a tertiary care hospital. All patients with biopsy-proven oral and lip SCC, with or without nodal disease, who underwent selective neck dissection between April 2006 and July 2015 were included in the study. Results During the study period, 111 patients with oral SCC underwent selective neck dissection, of whom 71 (62%) were clinically node-negative and 40 (38%) patients had clinically positive nodes in the neck. The mean follow-up was 16.62 months (standard deviation [SD]: 17.03). The overall regional control rates were 95 versus 96% for clinical negative versus positive nodes, respectively ( p = 0.589). The disease-specific survival was 84.5% in the node negative group versus 82.5% in the node-positive group ( p = 0.703). Conclusion Selective neck dissection in node-positive neck oral SCC has similar regional control rates when compared with node-negative neck SCC. The difference in disease-specific survival between the two groups is also not significant.

Current indications for neck remote approaches

Objective To summarize the most commonly used remote surgical accesses to the neck, current indications, and contraindications of the different surgical procedures. Findings The trans-oral vestibular approach has been used to perform thyroid and parathyroid surgery. The retro-auricular approach represents the known approach to perform a comprehensive or selective neck dissection, but it may also be used for thyroid surgery. The trans-axillary approach also may be used to perform both thyroid surgery and neck dissection. Conclusion Remote and minimally-invasive approaches to the neck facilitate various surgical procedures. In addition, surgeons' enhanced experience and the technological advancement of robotic and endoscopic equipment may encourage more centers to adopt these approaches in the future. To summarize the most commonly used remote surgical accesses to the neck, current indications, and contraindications of the different surgical procedures. The trans-oral vestibular approach has been used to perform thyroid and parathyroid surgery. The retro-auricular approach represents the known approach to perform a comprehensive or selective neck dissection, but it may also be used for thyroid surgery. The trans-axillary approach also may be used to perform both thyroid surgery and neck dissection. Remote and minimally-invasive approaches to the neck facilitate various surgical procedures. In addition, surgeons' enhanced experience and the technological advancement of robotic and endoscopic equipment may encourage more centers to adopt these approaches in the future.

Precise Intraoperative Lymph Node Identification by Isosulfan Blue of Occult Neck Lymph Node Metastases for Decision to Convert from Supraomohyoid Neck Dissection to Comprehensive Neck Dissection in Early-Stage Oral Cancer

Objective: To study the sensitivity and specificity of peritumoral isosulfan blue dye injection for localization of suspected metastatic lymph nodes.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The study included all patients diagnosed with early-stage oral cancer between January 2018 and March 2020. After elevation of the skin flap, the primary site was injected peritumorally with isosulfan blue 0.3-0.5 cc at 1 cm intervals and massaged. The time at which any draining nodes turned blue was recorded and the node was then excised for frozen section. After which supraomohyoid neck dissection was performed. The frozen sections were stained with H&amp;E and analyzed for presence of metastases. Negative sections were further analyzed using immunohistochemistry stains. Sensitivity, specificity and time of identification suspected metastatic lymph node were analyzed .&#x0D; Results: Nineteen patients with early-stage oral cancer were included. The majority (78.4%) presented with tongue lesions. The mean injection amount administered was 3.62±0.83 cc, and the number of injections around the tumor were 10.26±2.31. Mean duration from time of injection to the identification of a blue node was 19.26±15.99 min. Nodes at Level I of the neck were the most common identified as blue nodes (57.8%). Statistical analysis comparing pathological findings with blue node identification revealed this technique has a sensitivity of 71.4% with specificity of 91.7% and an overall accuracy of 84.2% in identify metastasis lymph node. &#x0D; Conclusion: Isosulfan blue injection of primary oral tumors demonstrated a high level of efficiency in identifying metastatic lesions in draining lymph nodes. This technique may be helpful in deciding intraoperatively whether to convert from supraomohyoid neck dissection to comprehensive neck dissection .

Therapeutic neck dissection in head and neck melanoma patients: Comparing extent of surgery and clinical outcome in two cohorts

BackgroundThe extent of surgical management of regional lymph nodes in the treatment of cutaneous head and neck melanoma on and anterior to O'Brien's watershed line is controversial. By comparing patients' cohorts of two separate melanoma expert centers we investigate the effectiveness of comprehensive versus (super-) selective neck dissection approach. MethodsSixty patients with macroscopic (palpable) neck node metastases (N2b) from anterior scalp and face melanoma were retrospectively studied. Forty therapeutic modified radical neck dissections (MRND; levels I–V) combined with elective parotidectomy from The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NCI) were compared with 16 (super-) selective neck dissections [(S)SND; 3–4 levels] and 4 solely MRNDs from Erasmus Medical Center (EMC). Cohorts were analyzed for site of recurrence, overall survival (OS), melanoma-specific survival (MSS), and disease-free survival (DFS). ResultsClinical characteristics of patients were equal in both groups. In the NCI cohort 62.5% (n = 25) of patients recurred versus 65% (n = 13) in the EMC cohort. None of the NCI recurrences affected the parotid gland in contrast to 3 patients in the EMC group. Survival characteristics were not different between the two groups: OS (p = 0.56), MSS (p = 0.98), DFS (p = 0.92). ConclusionThis study does not support to continue the practice of routine elective parotidectomy and MRND in melanoma patients undergoing a lymph node dissection for macroscopic (palpable) nodal disease and justifies (S)SND.

Lateral Neck Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

Introduction: Lateral neck metastases occur in ~15% of papillary thyroid cancer and in ~40% of medullary thyroid cancer. We present herein a systematic approach to a standard comprehensive lateral neck dissection, with attention to specific areas where thyroid cancer lymph node metastases may be missed during surgery.Materials and Methods: Video demonstration of a comprehensive levels 2a, 3, 4, and 5b lateral neck dissection for thyroid cancer.Results: A systematic step-wise approach to a standard comprehensive lateral neck dissection for thyroid cancer, inclusive of levels 2a, 3, 4, and 5b, is demonstrated. Areas where thyroid cancer lateral neck lymph nodes can be missed are noted, including low level 4 nodes and carotid-vertebral nodes, level 5B nodes, and subdigastric level 2 nodes medial to the carotid artery.Conclusion: A step-wise systematic approach to a comprehensive lateral neck dissection for thyroid cancer may lower the risk for missed thyroid cancer lateral neck lymph node metastases.No competing financial interests exist.Runtime of video: 8 mins 35 secs

Acinic cell carcinoma of ascending ramus mandible: a rare case report

Acini cell carcinoma are low grade tumors of the salivary glands with a rare occurrence in the axial or appendicular skeleton. The parotid, submandibular and the minor salivary glands are sites of involvement in that order. Painless swelling is the usual presentation with a lytic appearance on radiology and imaging, CT or MRI, FNAC can to some extent differentiate between a benign or malignant lesion thereby dictating the likely extent of excision. On histopathological examination of resected specimens, acinic cell carcinoma shows tumor cells arranged as papillary clusters, acinar pattern and dispersed population with individual tumor cells displaying moderate nuclear pleomorphism, anisonucleosis, round nuclei and moderate amount of ill-defined granular cytoplasm. A unique intraosseous presentation of acinic cell carcinoma, in an elderly male, necessitated a segmental partial mandibulectomy and a comprehensive neck dissection. The tumour area was widely excised from the second premolar region to the coronoid process, and radical neck dissection was performed.

Surgical management of the neck in patients with metastatic melanoma in parotid lymph nodes.

The role and extent of neck dissection in patients with parotid metastatic cutaneous head and neck melanoma remain unclear. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and patterns of cervical node involvement in patients with parotid metastatic melanoma, and to determine if a limited lymphadenectomy of the clinically negative neck is appropriate. Patients who underwent parotidectomy and neck dissection for clinically apparent parotid metastatic melanoma, irrespective of neck status, were identified from two prospectively maintained databases. A total of 276 patients fulfilled the study criteria. Median follow-up was 23 months. A total of 185 necks were clinically negative, 82 were clinically positive. A total of 36 elective neck-dissection specimens harbored occult metastases; these were found in levels I (16.7%), II (58.3%), III (36.1%), IV (13.9%), and V (30.6%). Regional recurrence occurred in 32 patients with a clinically negative neck, the majority being in-transit metastases (n = 15). Only one case of recurrence could have potentially been avoided by a comprehensive lymphadenectomy. In patients with clinically apparent parotid melanoma metastases, elective comprehensive neck dissection reduces failure rates in cervical nodes, and provides more accurate staging and prognostic information. However, our findings support the emerging trend for more limited elective neck dissection. Levels I and IV can probably be safely omitted.

Revisiting the Transverse Cervical Artery and Vein for Complex Head and Neck Reconstruction

Background Chemoradiotherapy is the primary treatment modality for glottic and pharyngeal subsites. Management of recurrence or second primaries in this setting is a surgical challenge requiring complex free flap reconstruction. One of the major barriers to effective reconstruction is the availability of suitable recipient vessels. We propose that the transverse cervical artery (TCA) is a viable option for complex head and neck reconstruction. Methods A retrospective chart review of 230 consecutive free tissue reconstructive cases was performed by the senior author (EG). Results Forty cases were identified that used the TCA for arterial anastomosis. Twenty-six patients had prior treatment, 13 of which had multimodality treatment. There were no microvasculature free flap failures and 5 minor flap complications. Conclusions Our experience with the TCA suggests it is a viable option for complex head and neck reconstruction, particularly in the setting of prior comprehensive neck dissection or radiation. In addition, the location of the TCA provides favorable pedicle geometry for microvascular anastomosis.

The Extent of Neck Dissection Among Patients Who Receive Adjuvant Radiotherapy for HNSCC and Its Effect on Disease-Specific and Overall Survival.

The study objective was to assess if the extent of neck dissection among patients who receive adjuvant radiotherapy affects regional recurrence and survival. This was a retrospective study of patients who had clinical metastatic mucosal primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to cervical lymph nodes done at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York from 2004 to 2015. Patients with previous radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy were excluded. All patients had surgery to the primary tumor and the neck followed by adjuvant (chemo) radiation. Patients have been divided into 2 groups according to type of neck dissection as either selective neck dissection (SND) or comprehensive neck dissection (CND). The extent of neck dissection was determined by surgeon preference. All patients received postoperative radiotherapy to the primary tumor bed and to the neck with or without chemotherapy. Main outcomes were measured in regional recurrence and overall survival. In our study, 74 patients were included. Among the 2 groups of patients, 3-year outcomes for regional recurrence occurred in 4 (7.1%) of 56 patients in the SND group and 2 (11.1%) of 18 patients in the CND group. Overall survival was 29 (51.8%) of 56 patients in the SND group and 11 (61.1%) of 18 patients in the CND group ( P = .497). Among patients who died in each cohort, disease-specific death was 20 (74.1%) of 27 patients in the SND group and 5 (71.4%) of 7 patients in the CND group ( P = .79).The overall and disease-specific survival differences between the SND and CND cohorts were not statistically significant. In conclusion, SND, combined with proper adjuvant treatment, achieved regional control and survival rates comparable to CND.

Incidence of contralateral cervical metastasis in laryngeal tumors

Introduction: Through the knowledge of the metastatic pathways of the Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx, the lymph node level with a higher probability of involvement can be predicted. The surgeon uses this knowledge to determine the extension of neck dissection to perform. However, the longer the surgery, the greater the morbidity for the patient. When the metastatic risk is >20%, neck dissection of that cervical level is necessary. In cases of clinically evident (cN+) metastasis, uni or bilaterally, comprehensive neck dissection is determinant for the treatment, however there is no consensus about neck dissection for contralateral clinically negative neck (cN-). Objective: To evaluate if patients with laryngeal SCC homolateral cN+ and contralateral cN- should be submitted to bilateral neck dissection. Methods: The team reviewed medical records from 135 patients with a diagnosis of laryngeal malignancy between March/2009 and September/2017, analyzing gender, age, tobacco and alcohol comsumption, primary tumor site, neck dissection laterality, clinical and pathological contralaterality, staging, tumor recurrence or late metastasis and survival Results: We observed that 40.74% were pN+ on at least one side after neck dissection, which 87.27% performed bilateral neck dissection. Of these, 66.67% did not have contralateral metastasis, 87.5% had no previously clinically evident metastasis. Conclusion: Patients contralateral cN- have a risk <20% for occult metastasis and should not routinely go through bilateral neck dissection.

Comprehensive Lateral Neck Dissection in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma may Reduce Lateral Neck Recurrence Rates.

To Identify predictors of recurrent disease following lateral neck dissection (LND) for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). A retrospective review of patients who underwent first-time LND for PTC at our institution (2000-2015) was performed. Medical records were examined for biopsy or pathologically proven lateral neck recurrence. Differences between the groups with and without recurrence were compared. All LNDs were then classified in to two groups: "comprehensive" (CND), involving levels IIa-Vb at minimum, or "selective", labelling less extensive dissection (SND). Four hundred nine patients underwent 467 LNDs. Surveillance data were available for 317 patients who underwent 362 LNDs (mean age 45 ± 16; range 18-88). The median follow-up was 64 ± 48 months (range 3-197). Recurrence was detected in 71 lateral necks (20%). The total number of lymph nodes was greater in the group without recurrence compared to those with recurrence (23 vs. 19, p = 0.02). Among patient demographics, radioactive iodine treatment, primary tumor characteristics and characteristics of nodal metastases, only an older patient age (mean 50 vs. 43 years) was associated with lateral neck recurrence (p < .01). CND was performed in 102 lateral necks and SND in 143 necks. There were 12 recurrences recorded in the CND group (12%) vs. 31 in the SND group (22%, p = .04). The majority of recurrences (70%) involved levels included in the original dissection. Younger patients, more extensive dissection and a higher total number of lymph nodes removed are associated with a lower incidence of lateral neck recurrence after LND for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Prognosis of metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma over the last 30 years.

Head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) is one of the most common malignancies in Australia and consequently it is important to know whether patient outcomes have improved with time. All patients with metastatic HNcSCC treated with curative intent were identified from the Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute database (1987-2016). Patients were grouped into 10-year blocks from 1987, and disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival were analysed. Estimated survivals were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. Since 1987, there has been an increase in the proportion of elderly patients (>75 years, P = 0.006) and the rate of adverse prognostic features including median node size (P = 0.047) and number of involved nodes (P < 0.001). Whereas the rate of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) and comprehensive neck dissection has decreased (P = 0.014 and P < 0.001, respectively). Despite this, 5-year DSS improved over the last 30 years from 57% during 1987-1996 to 88% during 2007-2016 (P < 0.001). This was particularly evident in patients treated with surgery followed by RT (P = 0.001), patients with extracapsular spread or soft tissue deposits (P < 0.001) and in patients with a single positive node (DSS, P = 0.007). On multivariable analysis, DSS has improved over time (hazard ratio 0.466 per 10 years bracket, 95% confidence interval 0.324-0.672, P < 0.001) after adjusting for the effect of age, presence of extracapsular spread or soft tissue deposits and adjuvant RT. Medical advances have enabled us to treat older patients and more advanced metastatic HNcSCC and their prognosis appears to have improved over the past 30 years.

305O - Surgery for isolated regional failure in nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiation: Selective or comprehensive neck dissection

305O - Surgery for isolated regional failure in nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiation: Selective or comprehensive neck dissection

Tongue Flap Reconstruction in Carcinoma of Oral Cavity: An Institutional Experience.

Abundant blood supply of tongue permits various flap designs and makes it a good choice for reconstructing defects following resection of oral cancer. We aim to evaluate the reliability of tongue flap for small- and medium-size defects after resection of oral cancer in terms of viability, complications, and functional outcome. In this retrospective analysis, patients reconstructed with lateral tongue flaps after resection of oral cavity carcinoma from May 2011 to December 2017 were included. Forty-two patients underwent tongue flap reconstruction during the study period. Median size of defect was 3.5cm. Out of 42 patients, 27 had carcinoma of buccal mucosa and 8 had carcinoma of lower alveolus. Mandibular resection was performed in 30 patients. Neck was addressed in all 42 patients. Supraomohyoid neck dissection was done in 12 patients, while others had comprehensive neck dissection. Average time to harvest flap was 25min. There was no flap loss in the postoperative period. Three patients each developed flap tip necrosis and minor orocutaneous fistula that were managed conservatively. Subjective functional outcome was good to satisfactory in most patients (88%). Lateral tongue flap is a simple reliable flap for reconstruction of small- and medium-sized defects following resection of oral cavity cancers in terms of low morbidity and satisfactory functional outcomes. It obviates the need of distant tissue transfer.