Utility of PET-CT in detecting nodal metastasis in cN0 early stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is a devastating disease that has significant impacts on function and quality of life. Nodal status is one of the most important prognostic factors and significantly impacts treatment options [1]. The presence of nodal metastasis decreases survival by up to 50% [2]. The rates of occult metastasis in OCSCC are high with an estimated range of 14 –45% [4–8]. Rates are known to be higher for certain sub-sites, large-volume tumors (e.g. T3 and T4), and tumors with adverse features, such as perineural invasion and depth of invasion [9–12].

Source: Oral Oncology - April 5, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Han Zhang, Hadi Seikaly, Vincent L. Biron, Caroline C. Jeffery Source Type: research