Risk factors for cervical lymph node metastasis in oropharyngeal cancer and its impact on prognosis

Objective: To understand the characteristics of cervical lymph node metastasis in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC) patients, explore the risk factors for lymph node metastasis, and its impact on prognosis. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Statistical analysis of the relationship between various clinicopathological factors and lymph node involvement, as well as the independent risk factors affecting lymph node metastasis and their impact on prognosis. Results: The cervical lymph node metastasis rate in this group was 89.2%, with the palatine tonsils and base of the tongue more prone to cervical lymph node metastasis (p = 0.007); lower pathological differentiation of OPSCC was more likely to develop cervical lymph node metastasis (p = 0.017). The P16 protein positive rate in this group was 58.8%. P16 protein expression did not affect the incidence rate of cervical lymph node metastasis in OPSCC (p = 1.000) but influenced the risk of multiple lymph node metastases (p = 0.011) and was a risk factor affecting the prognosis of OPSCC (p = 0.003). However, the lymph node metastasis status did not affect the survival time of OPSCC patients. Conclusion: In the Shanxi region of China, HPV-related OPSCC accounts for a higher proportion; OPSCC has a high rate of cervical lymph node metastasis, but lymph node metastasis does not significantly increase the mortality risk of OPSCC patients, which may be related to the unique characteristics of HPV-related OPSCC. Level of Evidence IV: Retrospective cohort study.