Superselective Neck Dissection Research Articles

Tissue expression of miR-449a as risk factor for occult neck metastasis in patients with cT3-T4 N0 laryngeal cancer. A pilot study.

To explore the potential role of miR-449a as biomarker for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), especially in the decision strategy of neck dissection (ND). Each patient underwent total laryngectomy and bilateral ND (levels II-IV); during surgery, tissue samples of around 1 × 0.5cm were extracted from both healthy tissue adjacent to the tumor and the visibly affected tumor tissue. The extraction of total RNA, encompassing miRNA, was performed using a mirVana PARIS kit. To detect miR449a, cDNA was synthesized from 200ng of RNA using a TaqMan miRNA reverse transcription kit. The study group was formed of 66 patients (62 males, and 4 females) with LSCC, aged between 39 and 77years (mean 60 + 14.56yr). MiR-449a was up-regulated in twenty-eight tumors (42%), while it was down-regulated in 38 samples (58%). In the present study, there was a statistical relevance for miR-449a tissue expression for pN staging (p = 0.017), and PNI (p = 0.005). Eight tumors (12%) cN0 became pN + showing occult cervical lymph node metastases at the final histopathological examination, and all of these patients showed miR-449a downregulation. Super-selective ND (sparing the sub evels IIb and IV) might be the approach to cT3-T4 N0 LSCCs with upregulation of miR-449a; on the other hand, to ensure and effective control of occult neck metastases it would be appropriate to reserve elective ND (including sublevels IIb and IV) for cT3-T4 N0 LSCCs with miR-449a downregulation. Although promising, due to the small size of the cohort, the results of this work can be considered preliminary and need to be confirmed by prospective and larger studies.

Interventions for the treatment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers: surgical treatment.

Interventions for the treatment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers: surgical treatment.

Assessment of level IIB lymph nodes in oral cancer - Should we spare or care?

Objectives The extent of neck dissection over the years has evolved from a radical neck dissection to a super-selective neck dissection with an attempt to achieve a balance between oncological safety and acceptable morbidity. There is an ongoing debate concerning dissection of level IIB in both node negative and positive patients, primarily due to the low incidence of metastasis in this region and possible spinal accessory nerve injury. In this study, we intended to find the rate of metastasis to level IIB nodes in patients who were treated with neck dissection for oral cancers. Material and Methods Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity who underwent neck dissection were analyzed. Patients with clinically node negative (cN0) disease underwent selective neck dissection (SND), whereas patients with clinically node positive (cN+) disease underwent modified radical neck dissection (MRND). Results Out of the total 34 patients, 12 patients underwent MRND and 22 patients underwent SND. In the MRND group, three patients (25%) had positive level IIB nodes. The median number of IIB nodes removed was two and the median number of positive IIB nodes was one. In the SND group, the median number of IIB nodes removed was three and none of the patients had positive level IIB node. Conclusion In oral cancer with cN+, routine dissection of level IIB nodes has both therapeutic and prognostic values. Whereas, in patients with cN0, routine dissection of level IIB nodes can be omitted. Further large volume studies are needed on cN0 disease.

Pathological nodal status as a main predictive factor of survival and treatment outcomes of submandibular salivary gland cancers: A 25-year single center experience

IntroductionAim of this study was to explore the survival predictive factors and treatment outcomes in a cohort of SGC patients treated at a single center over a period of 25 years. Materials and methodsPatients who had received primary treatment for SGC were enroled. Outcomes evaluated were: overall survival (OS), disease specific survival (DSS), recurrence free survival (RFS), locoregional recurrence free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DFS). ResultsA total of 40 patients with SGC were enroled in the study. The most common tumor was the adenoid cystic carcinoma (60% of cases). Cumulative OS for 5-and 10-year follow up period was 81% and 60%, respectively. Thirteen patients (32.5%) developed distant metastases during follow-up. Nodal status, high-grade histology, tumor stage and adjuvant radiation-therapy (RT) were significant variables on multivariate analysis for survival and treatment outcomes. ConclusionsSubmandibular gland carcinomas represent rare and heterogenous tumor group regarding histological appearance and locoregional and distant metastatic potential. Tumor histological grade, AJCC tumor stage and nodal status were the strongest predictive factors for survival and treatment outcomes. RT improved OS and locoregional treatment outcome, but not DFS. Elective neck dissection (END) could be beneficial for selected cases of SGC. Superselective neck dissection of levels I-IIa may be the level of dissection for END. Distant metastases were the main cause of death and treatment failure. Prognostic factors for poor DMFS were AJCC stage III and IV, high tumor grade and nodal status.

The concept and clinical application of superselective neck dissection in head and neck cancers

超择区性颈淋巴清扫术（superselective neck dissection，SSND）是在择区性颈淋巴清扫术（selective neck dissection，SND）的基础上发展起来的治疗头颈恶性肿瘤颈部转移淋巴结更加微创化的颈淋巴清扫术（neck dissection，ND），是指颈清扫范围小于连续3个颈部level分区的ND。鉴于尚不充分的循证依据，目前临床上SSND主要应用于cN0期头颈鳞状细胞癌（简称鳞癌）、头颈鳞癌放疗或放化疗后以及甲状腺乳头状癌颈部转移淋巴结的外科治疗。随着对头颈恶性肿瘤颈淋巴结转移特性的进一步认识，以及放疗、同步放化疗等非手术治疗在头颈鳞癌治疗中发挥越来越重要的作用，SSND也将日益得到重视。.

Surgical site complications of isolated salvage neck dissection post-radiotherapy and post-chemoradiotherapy – A cohort analysis (1997–2017)

IntroductionThis study aims to quantify surgical site complications (SSC) after isolated salvage neck dissection (ND) compared with primary ND. Patients and methodsBetween 1997 and 2017 in the Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, a total of 323 isolated NDs were performed in 308 patients: primary ND (n = 144), post-radiotherapy (RT) ND (n = 53) and post-chemoradiotherapy (CRT) ND (n = 126). Patient, tumor and therapy characteristics were recorded. SSCs were scored according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC). Results101 NDs (31%) were complicated by at least one SSC. In total, 189 different SSCs occurred. Translated to CDC, 45 complications were grade 2, 25 grade 3a and 31 grade 3b. No significant difference in occurrence of SSC (CDC >1) was found between all groups. However, post-CRT, selective (SND) and modified radical ND and radical ND (MRND/RND) (p = 0.005), resection of sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) (p = 0.039) and duration of super selective ND surgery (p = 0.048) were significantly associated with more SSC. SCM muscle removal was associated with more surgical site infection (p = 0.045) and necrosis (p = 0.036). From week 10 post-RT/CRT, no difference in complication frequency with primary ND was seen. ConclusionPost-CRT SND, MRND/RND and SCM muscle resection were associated with an increased incidence of SSCs. If oncologically possible, limit the extent of ND and when an MRND is inevitable, preserve the SCM muscle for optimal prevention of SSC. Concerning SSC, optimal timing of salvage ND is minimal 10 weeks after RT/CRT.

Frequency of Skip Metastasis to the Cervical Lymph Nodes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) commonly spreads across regional lymph nodes. Presence or lack of metastasis to the cervical lymph nodes is an essential prognostic factor. The regional metastatic pattern to the cervical lymph nodes is defined as the orderly involvement of the successive anatomical lymph node levels. When the sequential order of involvement is lost and metastases are found at a lower level without involving the first echelon nodes or groups of intermediate nodes, then it is called skip metastases. Knowledge of Skip metastases will allow patients to prevent from receiving under and overt therapy. Current treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma is primary resection followed by elective/therapeutic neck dissection. Regarding neck dissection, there is a dilemma that up to which level should be performed. Some prefer up to level III and some prefer up to level IV based on evidence of skip metastasis to level IV. This study conducted to find out the frequency of skip metastasis and its pattern according to the site, size and grading of primary oral squamous cell carcinoma.
 Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional study performed in between August 2018 to September 2019 among 58 patients having histologically proven oral squamous cell carcinoma of tongue, buccal mucosa and retro molar trigone undergoing elective and therapeutic neck dissection. Cervical lymph nodes along with fibro-fatty tissue from patients underwent neck dissection except super selective neck dissection were fixed with 10% formalin in separate containers. The containers were marked with nodal level and sent to pathology department for histopathological examination.
 Results: Out of 58 patients, 32 (55.2%) had cervical nodal metastasis on postoperative histopathology report, 26 (44.8%) patients had no nodal metastasis and 7 (12.1%) developed skip metastasis. Oral squamous cell carcinoma of tongue was found to be the most frequent site to develop skip metastasis to the cervical lymph node. Also, skip metastases were relatively higher in greater tumour grading and T-stages.
 Conclusion: Chances of skip metastasis should be considered during treatment planning, especially for oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. For the majority of cases with N0 neck, elective neck dissection up to level III should be performed. In case of carcinoma of Tongue, high-grade tumour and advanced T-stages, elective neck dissection should be performed up to level IV.
 IAHS Medical Journal Vol 4(2), December 2021; 36-40

Surgical technique for superselective neck dissection under local anesthesia in recurrent head and neck cancer.

The aim of this paper is to describe a safe and effective surgical technique for neck dissection under local anesthesia. An increasing number of patients cannot undergo general anesthesia due to systemic complication arising from old age. Moreover, the long-term survival of patients with recurrent or metastatic cancer due to advances in chemotherapy has increased the necessity of neck dissection under local anesthesia. Appropriate pain control and selection of medical devices are important factors for success of the surgery under local anesthesia. In addition to the usual subcutaneous infiltration anesthesia for pain control, nerve blocks for each cervical nerve encountered during surgery are extremely effective. Since muscle relaxants are not available, sharp devices such as knife or scissors, instead of electric scalpel, should be used to prevent unexpected muscle contractions caused by electric current. This video presents well-proven techniques and technical tips for superselective neck dissection under local anesthesia.

Impact of Superior and Inferior Approach in Identification and Preservation of Spinal Accessory Nerve during Modified Radical Neck Dissection in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: During neck dissection, injuries to spinal accessory nerve (SAN) are most common cause of post-operative shoulder morbidity. Which is known as ‘Shoulder Syndrome’. Despite the evolution in neck dissection procedures from radical to super-selective neck dissection, post-operative shoulder dysfunction remains a point of exasperation for head and neck surgeons. It significantly impacts the standard of living for patients with head and neck cancer. According to the anatomic course and branching of SAN, there are various dissection technique for identification and preservation. Our comparison of superior dissection approach with inferior dissection approach for identification, preservation, and complete skeletonization of SAN in posterior neck dissection has not been studied based on its anatomical course.
 Objective: To compare Superior Vs. Inferior approach group in regards to safety and superiority of the approach for SAN preservation with minimal or no intraoperative and or post-operative functional complications.
 Methods: The patients will be randomly divided into two groups according to the approach used to identify and preserve SAN (superior Vs. inferior approach group). The intraoperative clinical and post-operative data will be collected and evaluated with appropriate statistical analysis.
 Results: Collected data from 24 patients will undergo statistical analysis to obtain the results.
 Conclusion: This study expects to find a superior modality amongst the Superior dissection approach and inferior dissection approach in terms of identification, preservation, and post-operative functional deficit for spinal accessory nerve.

Indications of Superselective Neck Dissection in Patients With Lateral Node Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

The extent of neck dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with lateral neck metastasis is controversial. This work aims to screen the patients suitable for superselective neck dissections including only levels III-IV. Prospective observational cohort study. The study was conducted in a high-volume tertiary care setting. A total of 134 consecutive previously untreated PTC patients with lateral neck metastases and subjected to 154 therapeutic lateral neck dissections (including levels II, III, IV, and VB) between June 2018 and March 2021 were enrolled. Fine-needle aspiration was performed preoperatively at each suspicious neck level. Clinical predictors were analyzed for occult lymph node metastases at levels II and VB. As a result, 44.8% and 5.8% of neck specimens exhibited metastatic lymph nodes at levels II and VB. In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the primary tumor in the ipsilateral thyroid upper lobe (P = .016, odds ratio = 3.528) and clinically multiple metastatic lymph nodes in level III-IV (P = .005, odds ratio = 6.414) were independent predictive factors for occult level II metastases. All 3 (1.9%) occult metastases at level VB were found in necks with preoperative multiple lymph node metastases. A superselective lateral neck dissection including levels III to IV may be considered in patients with PTC when the preoperative evaluation identifies a single lymph node metastasis located at levels III to IV and the primary tumor is not in the upper lobe of the ipsilateral thyroid.

Efficacy of superselective neck dissection (IIA and III) for supraglottic laryngeal cancer with clinically negative neck.

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of superselective neck dissection(SSND) (levels IIA and III) for patients with supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx and clinically negative (N0) neck. This was a prospective analysis of consecutive patients. A prospective analysis of 60 patients with SCC of the supraglottic larynx and N0 neck who underwent surgical treatment of the primary lesion with simultaneous SSND (levels IIA and III). The incidence of occult metastasis in the lymph nodes, regional recurrence, survival rate, and spinal accessory nerve function were evaluated. Ninety-eight superselective neck dissection (levels IIA and III) procedures were performed for 60 patients. The occult metastasis rate was 20% (12 of 60). Four patients (6.7%) developed regional recurrence, none of them was in level IIB. The 5-year overall, cancer-specific and disease-free survival rate was 82.8%, 87.6%, and 80.7%, respectively. Spinal accessory nerve function was maintained in all patients. Superselective neck dissection removing lymph nodes in levels IIA and III was safe and effective for supraglottic SCC of the larynx with clinically negative neck. The spinal accessory nerve function was maintained without compromising clinical outcome.

Preliminary study of superselective lymph node dissection in regional lateral cervical lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective: To explore the applied value of super-selective cervical lymph node dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with clinically suspicious lateral lymph node metastasis (LNM). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 232 cN1b PTC patients who underwent surgery from September 2013 to May 2018 in the Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center. Among them, 90 cases received super-selective neck dissection (level Ⅲ and IV) and 142 cases underwent selective neck dissection (level Ⅱ-Ⅳ). The LNM of two groups were analyzed. Results: Postoperative pathological results showed that 173 cases had LNM in the central compartment. The LNM cases of level Ⅱ-Ⅳ were 47, 147 and 130, respectively. Eight patients of super-selective neck dissection and 6 of selective neck dissection had postoperative lymphatic fistulas (P=0.146). No patients in super-selective neck dissection group while 9 patients in the selective lymph node dissection group had postoperatively permanent impairment of shoulder mobility, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.015). In the super-selective neck dissection group, 2 patients had long-term postoperative incision discomfort, and 5 cases had obvious cicatrix after surgery. In the patients with selective neck dissection, 27 cases experienced long-term incision discomfort after surgery, and 26 patients had apparent scar tissue, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.005). There was no recurrence during the follow-up. Conclusions: Super-selective neck dissection is a feasible, safe and effective treatment for cN1b PTC patients. It can improve the quality of postoperative life and avoid the over treatment for patients.

Indications and outcomes of superselective neck dissection: A review and analysis of the literature.

Superselective neck dissection, defined as dissection of two or less contiguous neck levels, has recently been introduced to reduce surgical morbidity of neck dissection while maintaining favorable oncologic outcomes. The purpose of this review is to report the results of superselective neck dissection when applied to specific settings: the management of regional disease after chemoradiation, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with clinical N0 necks, and high risk papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Interventions for the treatment of oral and oropharyngeal cancers: surgical treatment.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is an important part of the management of oral cavity cancer with regard to both the removal of the primary tumour and removal of lymph nodes in the neck. Surgery is less frequently used in oropharyngeal cancer. Surgery alone may be treatment for early stage disease or surgery may be used in combination with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy/biotherapy. There is variation in the recommended timing and extent of surgery in the overall treatment regimens of people with these cancers. OBJECTIVES: To determine which surgical treatment modalities for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers result in increased overall survival, disease free survival, progression free survival and reduced recurrence. SEARCH STRATEGY: The following electronic databases were searched: the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register (to 17 February 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 1), MEDLINE via OVID (1950 to 17 February 2011) and EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 17 February 2011). There were no restrictions regarding language or date of publication. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials where more than 50% of participants had primary tumours of the oral cavity or oropharynx, and which compared two or more surgical treatment modalities or surgery versus other treatment modalities. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data extraction and assessment of risk of bias was undertaken independently by two or more review authors. Study authors were contacted for additional information as required. Adverse events data were collected from published trials. MAIN RESULTS: Seven trials (n = 669; 667 with cancers of the oral cavity) satisfied the inclusion criteria, but none were assessed as low risk of bias. Trials were grouped into three main comparisons. Four trials compared elective neck dissection (ND) with therapeutic neck dissection in patients with oral cavity cancer and clinically negative neck nodes, but differences in type of surgery and duration of follow-up made meta-analysis inappropriate. Three of these trials reported overall and disease free survival. One trial showed a benefit for elective supraomohyoid neck dissection compared to therapeutic ND in overall and disease free survival. Two trials found no difference between elective radical ND and therapeutic ND for the outcomes of overall survival and disease free survival. All four trials found reduced locoregional recurrence following elective ND.A further two trials compared elective radical ND with elective selective ND and found no difference in overall survival, disease free survival or recurrence. The final trial compared surgery plus radiotherapy to radiotherapy alone but data were unreliable because the trial stopped early and there were multiple protocol violations.None of the trials reported quality of life as an outcome. Two trials, evaluating different comparisons reported adverse effects of treatment. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Seven included trials evaluated neck dissection surgery in patients with oral cavity cancers. The review found weak evidence that elective neck dissection of clinically negative neck nodes at the time of removal of the primary tumour results in reduced locoregional recurrence, but there is insufficient evidence to conclude that elective neck dissection increases overall survival or disease free survival compared to therapeutic neck dissection. There is very weak evidence from one trial that elective supraomohyoid neck dissection may be associated with increased overall and disease free survival. There is no evidence that radical neck dissection increases overall survival compared to conservative neck dissection surgery. Reporting of adverse events in all trials was poor and it was not possible to compare the quality of life of patients undergoing different surgeries.

Results of a randomized controlled trial of level IIb preserving neck dissection in clinically node-negative squamous carcinoma of the oral cavity

BackgroundThe lymphatic spread from the cancers of the oral cavity follows an orderly progression and involvement of lower nodes without involvement of upper nodes and skip metastasis is rare. Selective neck dissections are increasingly being performed for node-positive patients; however, in node-negative patients the options of wait and watch, prophylactic radiotherapy, and prophylactic elective node dissections are debated. Quality of life and shoulder functions are important to choose the appropriate therapeutic modality.Patients and methodsPatients with oral squamous carcinoma with clinically and radiologically negative neck were randomized to IIb preserving superselective neck dissection or conventional supraomohyoid neck dissection. The primary end point of the study was recurrence of disease (clinical or radiological) and shoulder function as demonstrated by the clinical examination and electromyography. The secondary end point was quality of life as measured by the FACT-HN version 4 questionnaire at the end of 1 year follow-up.ResultsThe mean number of lymph node harvested per patient was 25.6 (range 8–85). Of the 32 patients, 3 had histologically positive node in level Ib, one of these patients had single positive node while the remaining two had three positive nodes in level Ib. At median follow-up of 36 months disease-free survival in IIb, sparing group was 83% compared to 91% in control arm, the difference in survival between two groups was statistically not significant (p = 0.694). EMG of the shoulder showed denervation pattern in 45% patients undergoing IIb preserving surgery at 1 month follow-up compared to 95% in conventional surgery group, this recovered in all patients but one at 3 months and 100% recovery was seen at 6 months.ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicate that superselective IIb preserving neck dissections are technically feasible and appear to be oncologically safe procedures when performed as elective prophylactic procedures in highly select group of patients. A significant number of occult metastasis seen in the present study suggests prophylactic dissection to be better than wait and watch policy. Results also show initial higher shoulder morbidity at 1 month in patients undergoing IIb preserving dissections; however, at the end of 1 year recovery is complete and both procedures are comparable.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov with registration no NCT00847717; registered on February 19, 2009.

Feasibility of Salvage Selective Neck Dissection after Primary Irradiation of Pharyngeal and Laryngeal Carcinoma

Introduction: The concept of neck dissection (ND) in the management armamentarium of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has evolved throughout the years. Nowadays, ND becomes more functional. Methodology: A retrospective study of 865 patients was performed at Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek Hospital to investigate the feasibility of selective ND (SND). All patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx and larynx who received primary radiation and underwent salvage ND were included in the study. Result: A total of 29 NDs were analyzed. In 17 neck sides, viable metastases were found (58%), whereas in the other 12 specimens there were no viable metastases. In 16 of the 17 necks (94%), the metastases were located either in level II, III, or IV or in a combination of these 3 levels. Level V was involved in only 1 case (6%). Conclusion: It is well justified to perform a salvage SND (levels II, III, and IV) for pharyngeal and laryngeal carcinoma after primary radiation. In carefully selected cases of supraglottic and oropharyngeal carcinoma, a superselective ND also appears as an efficient option.

Is Superselective Neck Dissection Safer Than Supraomohyoid Neck Dissection for Oral Carcinoma Patients With N0 Neck in Terms of Shoulder Morbidity and Recurrence Rate?

To estimate the clinical and functional results of patients who underwent distinctive types of neck dissection, with particular emphasis on shoulder function, rate of recurrence, and quality of life in patients with N0 neck. A randomized clinical trial was conducted from August 2014 to March 2017 in which 20 adult patients with T1 to T3 lesions of the oral cavity and N0 neck were included. Patients were randomly allocated to group I (n=10; selective neck dissection) or group II (n=10; superselective neck dissection). All patients were evaluated objectively for degree of arm abduction and subjectively for quality of life using a questionnaire completed pre- and postoperatively at 6months. Also, locoregional recurrence was investigated for 2.5years. Data were scrutinized by applying mean and standard deviation, unpaired t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kaplan-Meier test. Mean values of the Arm Abduction Test and quality-of-life scores were statistically significant (P<.05) for group II compared with group I at all intervals. Data analyzed for locoregional recurrence showed a statistically significant difference between groups (P<.05), with group II having the better outcome. The results showed less shoulder morbidity and improved quality of life for superselective neck dissection (group II) compared with selective neck dissection (group I). Furthermore, group II was better for locoregional recurrence, which determines the oncologic safety of the procedure.

Value of jugulo-omohyoid lymph nodes in predicting lateral cervical occult metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the value of jugulo-omohyoid lymph nodes (JOHLN) in predicting occult lateral cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: The clinicopathological data of 136 out of 2 100 PTC patients, who had a high risk of lateral neck lymph node metastasis and treated by us from January 2010 to December 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. Super selective neck dissection (SSND, level Ⅲ and Ⅳ)was performed and JOHLNs were sent for frozen section in all the 136 cases. The clinicopathological data was analyzed and the significance of JOHLN in predicting lateral cervical LNM was calculated using the SPSS software package. Results: Of the 136 patients, total thyroidectomy was performed in 76 cases (55.9%) and unilateral lobectomy plus isthmus was performed in the other 60 cases (44.1%). SSND was performed in 72 patients (52.9%), level Ⅱ-Ⅳ dissection in 15 (11.0%), and level Ⅱ-Ⅴ dissection in 49 (36.0%). According to the pathological results, 38 patients were pN0(27.9%), 18 (13.2%) were pN1a and 80 (58.8%) were pN1b. The lymph node metastasis(LNM) rates at level Ⅱ-Ⅵ were 19.9%, 43.4%, 42.6%, 2.9%, and 59.6%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of JOHLN in predicting lateral neck metastasis were 58.8%, 62.9%, and 76.7%, respectively. The rates for predicting level Ⅱ metastasis were 81.5%, 43.2%, and 59.4%, respectively. None of the patients died in the follow-up. Only 1 recurrence was found in level Ⅱ and regional control was achieved after level Ⅱ and Ⅴ dissection. Conclusions: JOHLN has a high accuracy for predicting lateral cervical lymph node metastasis and high sensitivity for level Ⅱ metastasis. For patients with high risk of lateral cervival metastasis, super-selective neck dissection including level Ⅲ and Ⅳ can confirm the stage and reduce the risk of reoperation. Dissection for level Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ is recommended.

Efficacy of Superselective Neck Dissection in Detecting Metastasis in Patients with cN0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma at High Risk of Lateral Neck Metastasis.

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate superselective neck dissection (SSND) in patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) at high risk of lateral cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis.Material/MethodsThis study enrolled 138 patients with PTC who underwent SSND. These patients were at high risk for LN metastasis and the rate of cervical LN metastasis was recorded.ResultsIn all, 146 lateral neck dissections were performed in 138 patients. Intraoperative pathological data revealed LN metastasis from 55 cases, for which Level II and V dissection were performed. Ninety SSNDs were performed in the other 83 patients without metastasis identified in frozen sections. Occult lymph node metastasis (OLNM) rates were 56.8% and 43.5% in the central compartment and lateral neck, respectively. OLNM rates of Level II–VI were 17.8%, 31.5%, 36.3%, 1.4%, and 56.8%, respectively. Level VI metastasis (p<0.001), extra thyroidal extension (p=0.003), and tumor size (p=0.011) were significant factors for lateral neck LN metastasis.ConclusionsSSND might be effective for early diagnosis of lateral neck metastases of PTC. Patients with OLNM should receive level II, III, and IV dissection, but level V dissection could be omitted.

Technique for reliable sentinel node biopsy in squamous cell carcinomas of the floor of mouth.

Applicability of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) for tumors of the floor of mouth (FOM) is controversial. Prospective evaluation of the accuracy of gamma-probe-guided superselective neck dissection of the preglandular triangle of level I for SNB in FOM squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and single photon emission CT (SPECT)/CT. In total, 22 sentinel lymph nodes were harvested in level I. Eight of 22 (36%) were seen on lymphoscintigraphy and 11 (50%) on SPECT/CT. Eleven sentinel lymph nodes (50%) were only detected intraoperatively. In unilateral tumors, 20% were contralateral, and, in midline tumors, 93% showed bilateral level I sentinel lymph nodes. The false-negative rate was 8.3%, the negative predictive value was 96.4%, and the false-omission rate was 3.6%. The ultimate neck control rate, including salvage treatment, was 100%. SNB in FOM can be reliably performed using the presented surgical technique. Level I exploration, bilaterally in midline tumors, is mandatory irrespective of the visualization of sentinel lymph nodes in other levels. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1367-1372, 2016.