[Sentinel node biopsy in head and neck cancer. Is there an indication for use of this new surgical technique in the treatment of head and neck cancer?] (original) (raw)

Ugeskrift for laeger, 2002

Abstract

Management of the clinically N0 neck in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma remains controversial. Since lymph node metastasis reduces the five-year survival by up till 50%, the need for an accurate diagnostic procedure is necessary. The sentinel node, being the initial lymph node to which the primary tumour drains, is believed to be invaded by early metastasis. Identification of the sentinel node by means of a dye or isotope or a combination, and surgical removal followed by histological examination verifies the involvement of the regional glands. At present few and limited materials on head and neck cancers exist, primarily on oral and oropharyngeal cancers. The techniques used are various and not without difficulties. To evaluate the feasibility of the sentinel node biopsy in head and neck cancer, it is proposed to perform a nationwide cohort study that comprises all minor oral and oropharyngeal cancers (T1, T2, N0).

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