Elective neck dissection in T1/T2 oral squamous cell carcinoma with N0 neck: essential or not? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is characterized by a high risk of cervical lymph node metastasis with a high incidence of occult metastasis. A strong debate is still present regarding the best treatment for early oral cavity cancer with N0 neck. Objective The aim of the present study was to compare between the results of elective neck dissection (END) and watchful waiting (observation or therapeutic neck dissection) in patients with early-stage (T1/T2) oral squamous cell carcinoma with N0 neck. Data sources Medline database (), Google Scholar and Scopus. Patients and methods A systematic review and meta-analysis for the evaluation of regional recurrence rate and 5-year survival rate after elective neck dissection (END) or watchful waiting in early oral cancers were conducted. This study included published English medical articles (which met our predetermined inclusion criteria) in the last 30 years, concerning early oral SCC with N0 neck. 24 articles were included (4 randomized studies and 20 observational "retrospective" studies) with a total number of 2190 of patients who underwent END and 1619 who underwent watchful waiting. Regarding the 5-year survival rate, (10) studies were included with a total number of 1211 patients who underwent END and 948 who underwent watchful waiting. Results Regarding the regional recurrence rate, (END) was associated with significantly lower risk of recurrence when compared with observation. Regarding the 5-year survival rate, END was associated with a better survival rate than the observational group. Conclusions Elective neck dissection is better than watchful waiting in early (T1/T2) stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma with N0 neck, regarding regional recurrence and 5-year survival rate.