A suggested method for sentinel node biopsy in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND

Debate continues over the management of the N0 neck in head and neck malignancy. Therefore, the possibility of performing sentinel node biopsy in these patients was investigated to formulate a method for the procedure.

METHODS

Patients undergoing prophylactic or therapeutic neck dissections were injected with either Patent Blue V dye alone or with blue dye and 99m-Tc labeled Albures. The latter group underwent preoperative lymphoscintigraphy. During surgery, blue stained lymphatics were followed to blue nodes, and a neoprobe was used to identify radioactive nodes.

RESULTS

In 5 of 13 patients receiving blue dye, a blue node was identified, but none contained tumor. Metastases were identified in other neck nodes in 3 of 5. Sentinel nodes were identified in 15 of 16 patients receiving dye, and Albures. Sentinel node biopsy was accurate in 7 of 7 necks containing impalpable metastases when all nodes had been evaluated after dissection.

DISCUSSION: Sentinel node biopsy using blue dye and radiocolloid may prove to be a reliable technique in the N0 neck and warrants further investigation.