[Cervical cystic lymph-node metastases from epidermoid carcinoma].

Fifty-three cases of cystic nodal neck metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma were treated at the Institut Gustave Roussy over a 30 year period. In all cases the lesion presented as a cystic neck tumor with malignant cells found in the cyst wall on pathologic examination. A detailed physical examination of the upper aerodigestive tract mucosa revealed a small tumor located in Waldeyer's ring and often in the tonsil. Treatment consists of surgical resection of the tumor followed by external beam radiation therapy centered on the cervical lymph nodes and Waldeyer's ring. Prognosis is good, with 5-year actuarial overall survival rate of 77%.