CLINICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PATTERNS OF CERVICAL LYMPH NODE METASTASIS IN ORAL CANCERS UNDERGOING SURGERY

Abstract

Introduction: Oral cancer is the term referred to oral squamous cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa as it forms 95% of oral cancer cases. It is estimated to be the sixth most common cancer which accounts for 0.6% to 5% of all cancers. Neck metastasis is one of the most important factor determining the progress. Material And Methods: This retrospective study was based on a review of the hospital records of patients who were diagnosed and operated for carcinoma oral cavity between 2014 to 2016. There were 40 cases of oral carcinoma. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for age, site of tumour, clinical involvement of lymph nodes, histopathological involvement of lymph nodes. Tumour staging was done according to the AJCC classification. Results: Out of 40 patients taken in the study 21 (52.2%) patients were aged between 30 to 49 years with male preponderance 27(67.5%). Tongue and buccal mucosa were the commonest subsites involved (45% each). Level Ib is the most frequently involved in oral cancers but with higher stages the lower level are more frequently involved especially as micrometastasis. Conclusion: There is a dilemma between risk and benefits of neck dissection in N0 necks in oral cancers. Based on our experience we recommend at least a selective neck dissection in the patients undergoing resection of oral carcinomas.