Prediction of lymph node metastasis in T1/T2 tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Prediction of lymph node metastasis in T1/T2 tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Objectives: In T1, T2, and clinically N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, there is no reliable predictive variable to determine whether or not neck dissection is needed. Thus, we established a predictive score model based on tumour depth and other pathological variables.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 115 patients with T1 and T2 stage squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Their pathological variables were used to construct a score model for predicting the risk of cervical lymph node metastasis.

Results: A predictive score model was proposed using multivariate logistic regression analysis: Score=(2.694×tumour depth (cm))+(1.814×lymphovascular invasion (yes=1, no=0))+(1.175×perineural invasion (yes=1, no=0)). The cutoff point was set at 2.7427. This predictive score model has a sensitivity of 91.2% and specificity of 65.4%.

Conclusion: A predictive score model was built and a two-stage surgical approach was suggested for T1 and T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.