Sentinel lymph node biopsy in squamous cell carcinomas of the lips and the oral cavity - A single center experience

Background and Objectives: Despite the availability of initial data on sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in OSCC, its value in clinical practice remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and potential of SLNB as a reliable staging procedure in early stage SCC of the lips and the oral mucosa. Methods: From 2001 to 2004, 40 patients with early stage SCC of the lips and oral cavity were enrolled. The main inclusion criteria were: cN0 category by MRI and ultrasound, tumor category T1-T2, for certain sites also T3. Patients with positive SLN underwent MRND and/or radiation. Patients with negative SLN were monitored monthly. Results: In eight patients, the SLN were positive. Two patients with negative SLN subsequently developed nodal disease (5% false negatives). Twenty-one patients have a follow-up longer than 24 months. Five patients died (one from nodal disease, one from local recurrence, and three from unrelated causes). One patient developed a second primary tumor, the remaining patients are free of disease. Conclusions: SLNB may contribute to more targeted lymph node dissection strategies. Further studies will have to ensure the safety of this procedure in comparison to selective neck dissection.