Predictive factors for failure to identify sentinel nodes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to ascertain which factors determine success of sentinel node biopsy (SNB).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 121 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma undergoing SNB to stage the neck. All patients underwent the triple-diagnostic procedure of preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, intraoperative blue dye, and a gamma probe. Factors contributing to failure of SNB were identified.

RESULTS

SNB was unsuccessful in 12 of 121 patients (10%). Seven of the 12 patients had cT1/cT2 tumors, and 6 of these were located in the floor of mouth. SN identification was more likely to be successful in patients with cN0 necks, but this did not reach statistical significance (92% vs 84%, p = .268). Factors associated with failure included T classification (p = .01), tumor site (p = .05), and negative preoperative lymphoscintigraphy (p = .0174).

CONCLUSION

Successful sentinel lymph node harvest is related to primary tumor site, T classification, and the presence of nodes on preoperative lymphoscintigraphy.