Clinicoradiological and Histopathological Comparative Study of Nodal Metastasis in Head and Neck Cancers.

ABSTRACT

Background: Detection of regional lymph nodes in head and neck cancers greatly modifies the staging, treatment and prognosis of the patient and helps in planning the management of these patients. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the Department of E.N.T., S.M.G.S. Hospital, G.M.C. Jammu, in collaboration with the Department of Radio diagnosis and Imaging, G.M.C. Jammu & Department of Radiation Oncology GMC, Srinagar from 2008 to 2012 in which patients attending / admitted in the Department of E.N.T., with cancer of head and neck, were assessed for lymph node metastasis (at different levels). 16 patients, all cases of squamous cell carcinoma head and neck, underwent appropriate neck dissections. The patients were examined clinically as well as with ultrasonography for detection of various enlarged lymph nodes at different levels. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were done, wherever indicated. Patients were subjected to fine needle aspiration cytology in cases of palpable lymph nodes. The removed lymph nodes were examined histopathologically. Results: The findings of clinical, radiological and histopathological studies were compared. We concluded that clinical palpation should be supplemented by ultrasonography in every case of head and neck cancer. However, since computed tomography picks up lymph nodes missed by ultrasonography in a significant number, is important in imaging primary tumour and picks up necrosis and extracapsular spread at the most, it should be included in each case of head and neck cancer. Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging being equivalent to computed tomography in picking up the nodes, but lagging behind the criteria such as picking up of nodal necrosis and extra capsular spread of lymph nodes, and is too costly, so may be included as an imaging modality wherever computed tomography is contraindicated.