Metastases to supramandibular facial lymph nodes in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the frequency of metastases to supramandibular facial lymph nodes (SFLNs) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

SFLNs were identified and removed during neck dissection from 43 patients with oral SCC. All of them were histopathologically and immunohistochemically examined, to detect possible metastases and micrometastases.

RESULTS

Metastases to SFLNs were present in 6 patients (13.95%). Metastases were much more common among patients with palpable neck nodes, larger size of the primary site, advanced TNM stage, and greater age and those in whom the primary site was located in the mucosa of the alveolar ridge of the mandible.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical procedures in the region of the SFLNs must be performed very carefully, because of their close relation with the marginal mandibular nerve. In patients with oral SCC and palpable neck nodes, those with advanced disease, and those in whom the primary site is located in the mucosa of the alveolar ridge of the mandible, removal of SFLNs must be considered.