Efficacy of diagnostic upper node evaluation during (salvage) laryngectomy for supraglottic carcinoma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The effectiveness of selective upper node dissection or inspection during laryngectomy for supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma was evaluated. These diagnostic procedures aimed to cause less morbidity than elective neck dissection in patients with a clinically N0 neck.

METHODS:

In 93 patients, 166 clinically N0 necks (73 bilateral and 20 contralateral) were evaluated. Lymph nodes at levels II and III were inspected or dissected and directly sent in for frozen section histopathology. This way, occult neck metastases were identified and treated by neck dissection.

RESULTS:

Occult neck metastases were identified in 19% of the examined necks (31/166). Regional recurrence rate in the postoperative N0 necks was 0%, and 10% in the postoperative N+ necks.

CONCLUSIONS:

Selective upper node dissection and inspection during laryngectomy reduced the need for an elective neck dissection with its morbidity in the clinically N0 neck. In addition, it selects the patients who need such extensive treatment.

• Authors: Ronald J E Pennings, Henri A M Marres, Annemarie den Heeten, Frank J A van den Hoogen
• Journal: Head & neck (Head Neck) Vol. 31 Issue 2 Pg. 158-66 (Feb 2009) ISSN: 1097-0347 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19031402 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (diagnosis, secondary, therapy)
• Cohort Studies
• Female
• Glottis
• Humans
• Laryngeal Neoplasms (diagnosis, pathology, therapy)
• Laryngectomy
• Lymph Node Excision
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Staging
• Predictive Value of Tests
• Retrospective Studies
• Salvage Therapy
• Treatment Outcome