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Role of modern imaging in decision‐making for elective neck dissection
Author(s) -
Feinmesser Rafael,
Freeman Jeremy L.,
Feinmesser Meora,
Noyek A.,
Mullen J. Brendan M.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.2880140302
Subject(s) - occult , medicine , dissection (medical) , radiology , neck dissection , capsule , pathology , carcinoma , botany , alternative medicine , biology
This study examines patterns of early metastatic spread as recorded in 19 clinically negative, histologically positive (occult) neck dissection specimens. Microscopic metastatic deposits were detected in this study in nodes measuring 10 mm and less. No nodes with extension of tumor beyond the capsule and into adjacent structures were noted. Central necrosis was detected in only one node. We suggest that the first stages of metastatic disase as evaluated by the pathologist in clinically occult nodes are minimal and may easily evade the eyes of both pathologists and radiologists. Imaging proved to be efficacious in upstaging clinically occutt necks that were previously irradiated.