Prophylactic Neck Dissection in Early Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma 2.1 to 4.0 mm Depth

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Regional recurrence is common following surgery for T1/T2 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Tumor depth >4.0 mm is commonly assigned as an indication for prophylactic neck dissection to improve regional control. Prophylactic neck dissection may detect extracapsular extension, a poor prognostic sign where adjuvant chemotherapy is indicated. The hypothesis in this study is that regional recurrence is a significant problem in 2.1- to 4.0-mm-depth tumors, and detection of extracapsular extension may be important in this group. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Australian tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Review of all patients with T1/T2 oral to..