Pattern Of Lymph Node Metastasis Research Articles

Patterns of nodal metastases on 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma are useful to guide treatment planning of radiotherapy.

The aim of the study was to examine the patterns of lymph node metastases from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and compare the laterality of lymphatic metastasis in cervical, supraclavicular, and paratracheal areas using F-FDG PET/CT. The data of 75 patients who underwent F-FDG PET/CT for staging of ESCC between January 2011 and March 2012 were reviewed. Fourteen groups of lymph nodes from the neck to abdomen were defined. Lateralization of the upper thoracic lymph nodes was defined in reference to the midline of the trachea. Frequencies of positive lymph nodes were used to determine the pattern of lymphatic spread and compare the lateralization of metastases in the cervical and upper thoracic regions. The right paratracheal region was the most frequent site of metastasis among all patients. Left paratracheal and paragastric nodes were more frequent in upper and lower third ESCC, respectively. Upward and downward lymphatic spread was equal in mid third ESCC. In all patients, there was a trend toward more frequent lymph node metastasis on the right side than the left side for the supraclavicular and paratracheal regions. Further stratified analysis with tumor location found that right paratracheal node metastasis was significantly associated with mid third ESCC (P = 0.03). Remote nodal metastasis was found in 10.5% of patients with upper third ESCC and 13% of patients with lower third ESCC, respectively. Remote nodal metastasis was associated with higher SUV of the primary tumor (P = 0.02) and worse survival (P = 0.03). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed a cutoff SUV of 14.8 for predicting remote lymph node metastases. PET/CT provides important information before radiotherapy planning. Mid and lower third ESCC tends to metastasize to the right paratracheal/supraclavicular lymph nodes. Remote nodal metastases on PET/CT correlated with higher primary tumor SUV and worse survival.

Could the extent of lymphadenectomy be modified by neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer? A large-scale retrospective study.

BackgroundThe effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) on topographical distribution patterns of lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer was unknown.MethodsPatients with FIGO stage IB1-IIB who underwent radical surgery with or without NACT were enrolled (3527 patients). A matched-case comparison design was used to compare the effects of NACT on lymph node metastasis.ResultsWe analyzed groups of 167 and 140 patients who were diagnosed with lymph node metastasis in the matched primary surgery group and NACT group, respectively, and no significant difference was observed (p = 0.081). The incidence of lymph node metastasis was significantly decreased in the NACT-responsive group compared to the non-responsive group (18.4% vs. 38.6%, P<0.001). The metastatic rates for every lymph node group also declined in the NACT-responsive group except for the deep inguinal and the para-aortic lymph node groups. Clinical response, deep stromal, parametrial and lymph vascular invasions were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in the NACT group. Furthermore, deep stromal invasion and lymph vascular invasion, but not the response to NACT, were independently associated with upper LNM. The number of lymph nodes involved, response to NACT, tumor histology and a positive vaginal margin were independent prognostic factors affecting DFS or OS rates in node-positive patients treated with NACT plus radical surgery.ConclusionThe frequency and topographic distribution of LNM are not modified by NACT, and clinical non-responders showed more involved LNs. A systemic and extensive lymphadenectomy should be performed in patients treated with NACT plus surgery regardless of the response to NACT.

Cervical lymph node metastasis in medullary thyroid carcinoma

To study the patterns of cervical lymph node metastasis of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Ninety-one patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma first treated between January 1999 and October 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Of 91 patients, 39 cases presented with clinical negative node (cN0) and 52 cases with clinical positive node (cN+). Central compartment dissection was performed in all cases. Lateral neck dissection was performed in 52 cN+ cases (71 sides). All neck dissection specimens were obtained and analyzed for lymph node (LN) involvement with respect to neck levels. The distribution of LN with metastasis was studied in cN+ patients and the following factors were used to study the predictive value of central compartment LN metastasis: sex, age, family history, tumor size, bilateral tumor, multifocality of the tumor, extracapsular spread, and remote metastasis. Univariate analysis with the χ(2) test was used to analyze the statistical correlation between central compartment LN metastasis and other clinical factors. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors related to central compartment metastasis. Neck and bilateral neck metastasis rates were 73.6%, 19.8% respectively. Metastasis rates in central compartment and superior mediastinal region were 68.1% and 27.5% respectively. The central compartment metastasis rate was 33.3% in cN0 patients and 94.2% in cN+ patients. The superior mediastinal metastasis rate was 2.6% in cN0 patients and 46.2% in cN+ patients. Extracapsular spread was an independent predictive factor for central compartment metastasis (χ(2)=15.592, P=0.000, OR=12.876). The incidences of LN metastases at level II, III, IV, V were 62.9%,84.5%,83.1%,50.0% in cN+ patient, respectively. Multi-sites were involved. The possibility of lateral neck metastasis was higher when preoperative value of calcitonin was higher than 300 ng/L (66.7% vs 28.6%, χ(2)=5.771, P=0.016). Cervical lymph node metastasis of medullary thyroid carcinoma is higher. Central compartment dissection is necessary in cN0 patients with extracapsular spread. Neck dissection from level II to level VII was necessary in cN+ patients. Preoperative value of calcitonin maybe can predict the lateral neck metastasis incidence.

Clinicopathological characteristics and lymph node metastasis pathway of non-small-cell lung cancer located in the left lingular division.

The purpose of this study is to assess the clinicopathological characteristics of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) occurring in the left lingular division (LLD) in association with a proposal of the LLD-specific regional lymph node stations. Medical records of patients, who underwent complete tumour resection with mediastinal lymph node dissection (MLND) for LLD-NSCLC from 2000 to 2009 in multiple institutions, were retrospectively examined. We analysed patient clinicopathological characteristics and obtained the LLD-specific regional lymph node stations, and then the validity of intraoperative navigation in lymphadenectomy for LLD-NSCLC was investigated. One hundred and eighty-four LLD-NSCLC patients (97 males and 87 females, and 128 adenocarcinomas and 56 non-adenocarcinomas) were studied. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates for all LLD-NSCLC patients were 72.9 and 58.3%, respectively. We examined the lymph node metastasis patterns in 42 node-positive tumours. The frequent metastatic lymph node stations were #12u lobar node (n = 22), #5 subaortic node (n = 15) and #11 interlobar node (n = 13) in order. These three node stations were also single metastatic sites in some patients. Metastases to sub-carinal (#7) or inferior mediastinal nodes (#8) were rare. Thus, we assigned the three stations (#5, #11, #12u) as the regional lymph node stations for LLD-NSCLC. If these regional lymph node stations had been examined pathologically during surgery for a total of 160 LLD-NSCLC patients with c-T2N1M0 or lower stage disease, 125 p-N0 and 5 p-N1 patients diagnosed with no metastasis would have been subjected to selective MLND, while 14 p-N1 and all 16 p-N2 patients diagnosed with metastasis would have had complete MLND carried out. As a result, these regional lymph node stations could accurately predict the existence of p-N2 metastasis, and appropriately lead to a selective or complete MLND. An intraoperative pathological examination using our proposed LLD-specific regional lymph node stations may accurately diagnose the status of node metastasis, and appropriately lead to selective or complete MLND in LLD-NSCLC patients with c-T2N1M0 or lower stage disease.

Patterns of lymph node metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on the 2013 updated consensus guidelines for neck node levels

PurposeTo explore patterns of node distribution in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) based on the 2013 updated guidelines for neck node levels. Methods and materialsWe retrospectively reviewed the imaging documents of 3100 cases of newly diagnosed NPC between January 2010 and January 2013. All patients received an MRI scan. The scan range extended from 2cm above the anterior clinoid process to the inferior margin of the sternal end of the clavicle. All MR images were evaluated by the multi-disciplinary treatment group of NPC. ResultsA total of 2679 (86.4%) cases had involved lymph nodes. The detailed distribution was: level Ia 0, level Ib 115 (4.3%), level IIa 1798 (67.1%), level IIb 2341 (87.4%), level III 1184 (44.2%), level IVa 350 (13.1%), level IVb 28 (1.0%), level Va,b 995 (37.1%), level Vc 49 (1.8%), level VI 0, level VIIa 2012 (75.1%), level VIIb 178 (6.6%), level VIII 53 (2.0%), level IX 2, level Xa 2, level Xb 3. Among patients with level VII involvement, only 6 (0.3%) were located at the medial group. Of the patients with level II disease, the upper borders of metastatic nodes in 25.9% cases were beyond the caudal edge of C1. Patients with level VIII, or IX, or X node metastasis were always with extensive ipsilateral lymphadenopathy, and the total number of involved nodes was ⩾6. There were 35 cases of lymphadenopathy beyond the range of the updated guidelines, located inside the trapezius muscles, but posterior to level V. ConclusionsThis is the first description of nodal spread patterns based on the updated consensus guidelines. Involvement of the retropharyngeal nodes was mainly located at the lateral group, the medial group was rarely seen. The suggested upper border of level II cannot fully cover all the involved level II nodes. The posterior level V border is not enough to cover all level V lymphadenopathies for NPC.

Patterns of lymphatic metastases in upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Experience from three comprehensive cancer centers.

349 Background: Data on patterns of lymph node metastasis (LNM) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is sparse despite its critical relevance for staging and therapeutic potential, with only 1 prior study detailing patterns of spread in 23 pathologically confirmed cases (Kondo T et al, Urol. 2007). Methods: We retrospectively identified and reviewed patients with pTany N+ M0 UTUC at 3 comprehensive cancer centers which routinely perform template-based dissections for UTUC. Anatomic locations of the primary tumor and positive lymph nodes based on the pathological specimens were analyzed, and maps of the location and incidence of LNM constructed. Results: A total of 92 patients with pN+ UTUC were identified, 63 of whom had renal pelvis (n=43) or proximal ureteral (n=20) tumors. LNM from left renal pelvis tumors occurred to the hilar (29.4%), pre- and para-aortic (50.0%) regions, with secondary spread to suprarenal (1.8%), interaortocaval (5.9%), and common iliac (2.9%) regions. LNM from right renal pelvic tumors occurred to the hilar (24.1%), pre- and para-caval (38.0%), retrocaval (13.8%), and inter-aortocaval (24.1%) areas. Left proximal ureteral tumors primarily had LNM to the hilar (46.1%), para-aortic (46.1%), and retro-aortic (7.7%) regions. Right proximal ureteral tumors had LNM to the hilar (36.4%), paracaval (54.5%), and retrocaval (9.1%) regions. A significant difference in survival was noted with patients who had organ confined tumor (p = 0.002) and a lymph node density of less than 25% (p = 0.005). The 1, 2, and 5-year cancer-specific survival rates of the overall cohort were 69%, 49%, and 27%, respectively. Conclusions: Our multi-institutional study provides data regarding the primary landing zones for LNM in renal pelvis and proximal ureter UTUC as well as guidance for developing anatomic dissection templates for prospective studies in UTUC incorporating surgical methodologies as a variable.

Distribution pattern of lymph node metastases and its implication in individualized radiotherapeutic clinical target volume delineation of regional lymph nodes in patients with stage IA to IIA cervical cancer.

BackgroundTo study the distribution pattern of lymph node metastases of stage IA to IIA cervical cancer and to clarify the individualized clinical target volume delineation of regional lymph nodes (CTVn).MethodsA total of 665 cases with International Federation Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IA to IIA cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy were retrospectively reviewed. The clinicopathological factors related to lymph node metastases were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsPelvic lymph node metastases were found in 168 of 665 patients resulting in a metastasis rate of 25.3%. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age, lymph vascular space involvement, and deep stromal invasion statistically influenced pelvic lymph node metastases (p = 0.017, < 0.001, < 0.001, respectively). Pathological morphology type, lymph node metastases of the obturator, the external iliac and internal iliac, and the para-aortic had a strong influence on lymph node metastases of the common iliac (p = 0.022, 0.003, < 0.001, 0.009, respectively). Tumor size and lymph node metastases of the common iliac were significantly related to lymph node metastases of the para-aortic (p = 0.045, < 0.001, respectively). Lymph node metastases of the obturator, the external iliac and internal iliac were strongly correlated to lymph node metastases of the circumflex iliac node distal to the external iliac node (CINDEIN; p = 0.027, 0.024, respectively).ConclusionsFactors related to lymph node metastases should be comprehensively considered to design and tailor CTVn for radiotherapy of cervical cancer. Selective regional irradiation including the correlated lymphatic drainage regions should be performed.

Bilateral central lymph node dissection with thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer

Objectives The aims of the study were to evaluate the frequency and pattern of central neck lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer and its relation to the lateral neck lymph node metastasis. Also, this study aimed to evaluate the complications of central neck dissection. Background The indications and extent of central lymph node dissection (CLND) in the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma remain controversial, and its therapeutic effect remains debatable. Patients and methods A total of 30 patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer were treated from 2011 to 2013. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy and bilateral central neck dissection. In patients with positive central lymph node metastases in frozen section, we performed ipsilateral lateral lymph node dissection removing levels II to V. Central lymph node metastases were analyzed. In addition, we investigated postoperative complications after total thyroidectomy and CLND. Results Among 30 patients, 12 (40%) had central lymph node metastases, with the ipsilateral paratracheal lymph nodes most commonly affected (40%). Of the 12 patients with positive central lymph node metastases, only two had positive lateral lymph node metastases. The frequency of temporary hypocalcemia, permanent hypocalcemia, and temporary vocal cord paralysis was 16.7, 6.7, and 6.7%, respectively. Conclusion CLND prevents nodal recurrence in the central compartment, which carries a high incidence of morbidity during surgery for recurrence. In addition, CLND, in good hands, does not contribute to the morbidity of total thyroidectomy (hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury). We propose that total thyroidectomy and bilateral CLND are the least-recommended surgical treatments. Also, in clinically negative lateral nodes, we conclude that lateral lymph node dissection is not important even if central lymph nodes were positive for metastases.

Research progress of lymph node metastasis in esophageal cancer

Lymph nodes （LN）are the main parts of the esophageal cancer metastasis,and the current status of LN is the important indicator of prognosis.LN metastasis appears in early stage of esophageal cancer.One side,LN metastasis easily appears in the regions near the tumor and some special areas.On the other side,LN metastasis has the characteristics of wide metastasis and skip metastasis.Therefore,the researches of the pattern of esophageal cancer lymph node metastasis can help to comform the scope of the esophageal cancer lymph node dissection and the target regions of radiotherapy. Key words: Esophageal neoplasms; Lymphatic metastasis; Lymph node excision; Lymphatic irradiation

Proximal gastric cancer: lymph node metastatic patterns according to different T stages dictate surgical approach

Background As a common form of gastric cancer migration, lymph node metastasis largely affects the surgical treatment and prognosis of gastric cancer. Surgery is the fundamental curative option for gastric cancer that varies depending on different stages. The study aimed to compare the clinicopathological characteristics and lymph node metastatic patterns in patients of proximal gastric cancer with different T stages and investigate a reasonable radical gastrectomy approach in terms of the range of lymphadenectomy for proximal gastric cancer. Methods In our retrospective study, the data of 328 patients of proximal gastric cancer with different T stages were analyzed. By comparing the differences of lymph node metastatic rate and ratio, we investigated the clinicopathological characteristics and metastatic patterns of lymph nodes. Also, we were especially interested in the differences in survival rates between patients with and without No. 5 and 6 group metastasis with the same TNM stage. Results The overall lymph node metastatic rate and ratio of advanced proximal gastric cancer were 73.4% and 23.3%, respectively. The tumors of different T stages were statistically significant in size and differentiation degree (P &lt;0.05), multivariate analysis showed that the depth of tumor invasion was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis in proximal gastric cancer (RR, 12.025; 95% CI, 2.326 to 62.157; P=0.003). The overall survival rate of patients with No. 5, 6 group lymph node metastasis and those without was significantly different, but the differences in survival rates between patients with and without No. 5 and 6 group metastasis with the same TNM stage were not statistically significant. Conclusions Different T stages in proximal gastric cancer showed different patterns and characteristics of lymph node metastasis. D2 lymphadenectomy in patients with early gastric cancer had little survival benefit because metastasis to level 2 nodes was rare. Therefore the range of the lymph node dissection in radical gastrectomy for early gastric cancer was considered reasonable. Moreover, to meet the requirements of the lymph node dissection, total gastrectomy plus D2 lymphadenectomy or more are supposed to be applied for the advanced proximal gastric cancer patients. Precise T staging largely determines the range of gastrectomy and lymphadenectomy.

Clinical significance of skip lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer patients

PurposeGiven the recent increase in the incidence of early gastric cancer, there is greater interest in identifying a minimally invasive therapy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the patterns of lymph node metastasis in patients with gastric cancer and to elucidate the clinical significance of skip metastasis. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patterns of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and clinicopathologic factors related to skip metastasis. ResultsAmong 2963 patients with gastric cancer, 997 patients (33.6%) were detected as having LNM, and 27 patients (2.7%) with skip metastasis were detected among 997 patients with LNM. Skip metastasis were detected more frequently in the elderly. Compared with the N1 group, the skip metastasis group showed lower frequency of vascular invasion, and compared with the stepwise N2 group, the skip metastasis group showed smaller tumor size and a significantly higher incidence of negative lymphatic, vascular, and perineural invasion. ConclusionsCurrently there is no way to predict N2 station LNM including skip metastasis, D2 LN dissection for gastric cancer is thought to be the appropriate treatment, even during early stage disease. Minimally invasive therapy should be performed cautiously in consideration of possible skip metastasis.

Posterosuperior lesion has a high risk of lateral and central nodal metastasis in solitary papillary thyroid cancer.

Preoperative nodal assessment of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is very important because 60 to 70 % of all disease recurrence in the neck can occur in the lymph nodes. This study explored the association between ultrasonographic intrathyroidal location and the nodal metastasis pattern in solitary PTC. Data from 218 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with or without neck dissection for previously untreated PTC between 2006 and 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Only patient data for which both preoperative ultrasound findings and postoperative pathologic reports were available were included. Multifocal cases, cases with extrathyroidal extension, and distant metastasis were excluded. The association between nodal metastasis pattern and clinical or pathologic features of solitary PTCs was analyzed, as was the association between ultrasonographic intrathyroidal location and central or lateral nodal metastasis in solitary PTC. Mass size larger than 2 cm (p < 0.001, Odds ratio (OR) 4.117) and central nodal metastasis (p < 0.001, OR 3.984) were related with lateral neck metastasis in multivariate analysis. Male sex (p = 0.001, OR 3.012) and capsular invasion (p < 0.001, OR 4.720) were related with central neck metastasis in multivariate analysis. When analyzing ultrasonographic location of intrathyroidal solitary lesion, posterosuperiorly located lesion was strongly associated with both lateral and central neck metastasis. (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Posterosuperior location of intrathyroidal solitary PTC has a high risk of lateral and central nodal metastasis when compared to other locations. For such patients, careful preoperative evaluation of nodal status should be done.

P1-13-5 - Clinico-Pathological Analysis of Combined Hepatocellular Cholangiocarcinoma: a Single Center Experience

Background: Combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC CC) is a rare variant of primary liver carcinoma. Although several reports presented clinical characteristics, incidences, treatment strategy and prognosis of cHCC CC, most of them were case reports or case series and much part still remains uncertain. This study was undertaken to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of cHCC CC and effective treatment strategy based on a meticulous review of our cases and literature. From the result, we attempted to draw a systemized guideline of cHCC CC management from diagnosis to treatment.1: The clinical data from 8 patients who were pathologically confirmed as cHCC CC from 2008 to 2013 at YEOUIDO St Marys Hospital was analyzed retrospectively. We reviewed pathological characteristics including immunohistochemistry profile and clinical findings with radiologic features. Further, we reviewed the treatment modalities of 8 patients with response results. In addition to that, we searched studies about systemic treatment of cHCC CC and recent advances in treatment strategy via PUBMED. Based on that we made a systemized guideline of cHCC CC management.Conclusion: Atypical enhancement pattern and lymph node metastasis pattern were useful clues for the suspicion of cHCC CC. Enhancement pattern of liver dynamic CT was helpful to estimate relative portion of CC and HCC. However, in case of hypovascular mass or small sized mass, MRI was needed for further discrimination. Tumor vascularity was closely related with favorable prognosis and good response for TACE. However, hypovascularity and portal vein thrombosis hindered wide usage of TACE. Stem cell feature was closely related with poor prognosis with fatal clinical course. Sorafenib, tyrosine kinase inhibitor and combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin showed marginal response. Further studies about treatment for poorly vascularized tumor are warranted.

Is replacement of the supraclavicular fossa with the lower level classification based on magnetic resonance imaging beneficial in nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Purpose and objectivesTo investigate the pattern of lymph node metastasis and treatment outcome after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and assess the possibility of replacing Ho’s supraclavicular fossa (SCF) with the lower level (LL; cervical extension below caudal edge of cricoid cartilage) based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a criterion for N3 disease. Methods and materialsWe retrospectively reviewed 749 patients with biopsy-proven non-metastatic NPC treated with IMRT. Lymph node metastasis was mapped using the 2013 International Consensus Guidelines. ResultsCervical lymph node (CLN) laterality, CLN greatest dimension (>60 vs. ⩽60mm) and Ho’s SCF were independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival (DFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS; P<0.01) in multivariate analysis. Replacing Ho’s SCF with the LL was also predictive for DFS and DMFS (P<0.01). Compared to the 7th UICC/AJCC, N-categories based on the LL provided more satisfactory distinction between hazard ratios for distant and disease failure for each N-category. N3a and N3b as defined by the 7th UICC/AJCC had similar DMFS (P=0.31) and DFS (P=0.21). ConclusionsReplacing Ho’s SCF with the LL is simple and practical. The N-category staging system could be further simplified by merging N3 subcategories.

The role of neck dissection in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Lymph node metastases in the neck are a major prognostic factor in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Assessment and treatment of lymph nodes in the neck are of utmost importance. Inappropriate management of lymph node metastases can result in regional failure. Radical neck dissection has been and is still considered the "gold standard" for the surgical management of lymph node metastases of HNSCC. However, the philosophy of treatment of the neck has evolved during the last decades. Surgeons progressively realized that extensive neck dissections were associated with a higher morbidity but not always with a better oncologic outcome than more limited procedures. Today, a comprehensive therapeutic approach of the neck is multidisciplinary, taking into account the patient's quality of life without jeopardizing cure and survival. A better understanding of the patterns of lymph node metastasis promoted the use of selective neck dissection in selected patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a reliable diagnostic procedure for staging the neck in node-negative early oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. With increasing use of chemoradiation in locally advanced HNSCC, paradigms are evolving. Currently, there are strong arguments supporting the position that neck dissection is no longer justified in patients without clinically residual disease in the neck.

Patterns of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Definitive Radiation Therapy for Hypopharyngeal Cancer: Implications for the Elective Target Volume Delineation

Patterns of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Definitive Radiation Therapy for Hypopharyngeal Cancer: Implications for the Elective Target Volume Delineation

Patterns of lymph node metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma: an analysis of 3100 patients based on MRI

Objective To investigate the patterns of lymph node metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to provide a basis for neck irradiation field in intensity-modulated radiation therapy.Methods From 2010 to 2013,3 100 patients newly diagnosed with NPC who underwent MRI were analyzed.All images were evaluated by the multi-disciplinary treatment group for NPC to analyze lymph node metastases.The locations of lymph nodes were determined by the RTOG consensus guidelines published in 2003.Results Of 3100 patients,2 679 (86.42％) had lymph node metastases; the detailed distribution was as follows:lateral retropharyngeal region (2012 patients,64.90％ ;6 patients were also in the medial group),level Ⅱ b(2341 patients,75.52％ ;492 had the upper border reaching half of C1 vertebra and 115 had the upper border reaching the skull base),level Ⅱ a(1798 patients,58.00％),level Ⅲ (1 184 patients,38.19％),level Ⅳ (350 patients,11.29％ ;28 had the lower border beyond the RTOG recommended boundary),level Ⅴ (995 patients,32.10％ ;91 had the lymph nodes beyond the RTOG recommended boundary),level Ⅰ b (115 patients,3.71％),and parotid region (40 patients,1.29％).Extensive ipsilateral lymph node metastases were seen in patients with lymph nodes metastases in levels Ⅳ and Ⅴ,and the total numbers of involved nodes were ≥ 6 and 7.Skip metastasis occurred in 6 patients (0.19％).Conclusions Metastases to retropharyngeal lymph nodes are seen mainly in the lateral group but rarely in the medial group.The upper border of level Ⅱ lymph nodes should be the skull base.Lymph node metastases from NPC are in an orderly manner,and skip metastasis is rarely seen.When level Ⅳ/Ⅴ lymph nodes are involved,there might exist metastases beyond the RTOG recommended boundary.In case of extensive ipsilateral lymph node metastases,the parotid region might be involved. Key words: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma; Magnetic resonance imaging; Lymph node metastasis; Lymph node subregion

Clinical significance of patterns of intrathoracic lymph node metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer:an analysis of 314 patients

Objective To investigate the patterns of intrathoracic lymph node metastasis in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to provide a theoretical basis for the delineation of radiotherapy target volume.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 314 NSCLC patients after operation.Our focus was to investigate the distribution characteristics and metastatic extent of intrathoracic lymph nodes and their relationship with tumor size,pathological type,and primary site.Comparisons between groups were made by one-way analysis of variance.Results The frequencies of metastases to lymph nodes at stations 4,5,7,10,and 11 were all above 12％,while those at stations 1,2,3,6,8,and 9 were all below 12％.The lymph node metastasis rate was similar on the primary tumor site (P =0.102).The patients with T3 and T4 NSCLC had a significantly higher frequency of N2 lymph node metastasis than those with T1 and T2 NSCLC (17.0％ vs.11.6％,P =0.002) ;the patients with adenocarcinoma had a significantly higher frequency of N2 lymph node metastasis than those with squamous cell carcinoma (34.5 ％ vs.23.2％,P =0.008).Conclusions For patients with T3 and T4 NSCLC of adenocarcinoma subtype,we should highlight the lymph nodes at stations 4,5,7,10,and 11 when delineating the radiotherapy target volume after operation. Key words: Non-small cell lung cancer; Lung adenocarcinoma; Lung squamous carcinoma; Lymph node metastasis

Is level V neck dissection necessary in primary parotid cancer?

This study aims to evaluate the pattern of nodal metastasis to level V in parotid cancer and to examine the clinical value of level V neck dissection (LVND). Retrospective cohort study. Retrospective chart review of 86 patients (47 N0 nodal metastasis [N0] neck and 39 positive nodal metastasis [N(+) ] neck) who received parotidectomy and neck dissection was performed. The prevalence of pathological nodal metastasis in level V neck was evaluated and correlated with locoregional recurrence. LVND was performed in 10.6% and 28.2% of patients with clinical NO (cN0) and cN(+) neck disease, respectively. The prevalence of pathological positive nodal metastasis was 0% (cN0) and 81.8% (cN(+) ). In patients with cN0 neck, the rate of recurrence in level V was 6%. In our patient cohort with predominantly high-grade parotid cancer, LVND was necessary in patients with cN(+) neck because there was a high likelihood for pathologically positive nodal metastasis. In patients with cN0 neck, the rate of recurrence in level V was low enough not to warrant a routine inclusion of LVND.

Is the lymphatic drainage of lung cancer lobe-specific? A surgical appraisal.

Nowadays, early-stage lung cancers are more frequently encountered. Selective lymph node (LN) dissection based on lobe-specific lymphatic pathway has been proposed. Our aim was to study nodal involvement according to tumour location. We reviewed 1779 lobectomized patients and analysed their pathological characteristics according to tumour location: Group 1 (G1), right upper lobe; Group 2 (G2), right middle lobe; Group 3 (G3), right lower lobe; Group 4 (G4), left upper division; Group 5 (G5), lingula; Group 6 (G6), left lower lobe. The pN status was recorded for each group to analyse the lymphatic spread of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) according to tumour location. The numbers and proportions of lobectomies in each group were 613 patients in G1 (59.2%), 64 in G2 (6.4%), 359 in G3 (34.6%), 404 in G4 (54.3%), 54 in G5 (7.3%) and 286 in G6 (38.4%). The rates of pN2 involvement were similar, whatever the group was, even when deciphering single- and multistation diseases. on the right side, single-station N2 disease was mainly found in the superior mediastinum (SM) for G1 (95%), and in the inferior for G3 (90%). On the left side, single-station N2 was mainly found in the SM in G4 (94%), and the inferior in G6 (48%). Whatever the side, in case of two-station involvement, both mediastina were concerned in 40% (in G4) to 81% of the case (in G3). Long-term survival rates were different in skip metastasis, single- and multistation involvement, but not between lobes. Tumour location is not a predictor of nodal metastasis pattern. In surgical treatment of NSCLC, complete systematic mediastinal LN dissection remains the only acceptable procedure from an oncological point of view.