Parotid metastasis--an independent prognostic factor for head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic parotid cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common parotid gland malignancy in New Zealand and Australia. The current AJCC TNM staging system does not account for the extent of nodal metastasis. A staging system that separates parotid (P stage) from neck disease (N stage) has been proposed recently. AIM: To review the outcome of patients with metastatic head and neck cutaneous SCC treated at our multidisciplinary Head and Neck Service using the proposed staging system. METHOD: Consecutive patients were culled from our Head and Neck/Skull Base Database, 1990-2004. These patients were restaged according to the proposed staging system: P stage: P0 = no disease in the parotid (i.e., neck disease only); P1 = metastatic node < or = 3 cm; P2=metastatic node > 3 cm and < or =6 cm, or multiple nodes; and P3 = metastatic node > 6 cm, or disease involving the facial nerve or skull base. N stage: N0=no disease in the neck (i.e., parotid disease only); N1 = single ipsilateral metastatic node < or = 3 cm; and N2 = multiple metastatic nodes, or any node > 3 cm, or contralateral neck involvement. Loco-regional recurrence and disease-specific survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and comparison of graphs made with the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model was carried out to assess the impact of various parameters. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients with metastatic head and neck cutaneous SCC were identified. Thirty-seven patients had parotid metastasis (of whom 13 also had neck disease) while 21 had neck metastasis alone. Nine patients had dermal or soft tissue metastasis. These nine patients were excluded from this series, and data analysis was carried out on the remaining 58 (46 men, 12 women, mean age 71 years) patients. Sixty-seven percent of the patients underwent post-operative adjuvant radiotherapy. The five-year disease-specific survival rate was 54%. Among 56 patients followed up to disease recurrence or for a minimum period of 18 months, the loco-regional recurrence rate was 52%. The presence of parotid disease was an independent prognostic factor on survival (p < 0.01), and P3 fared significantly worse than P1 and P2. Those patients who had both parotid and neck disease fared worse than those who had parotid or neck disease alone (p = 0.01). N2 had a significantly poorer outcome compared with N1 (p < 0.01). Immunosuppression (p = 0.01) and a positive surgical margin (p < 0.01) were significant adverse prognostic factors for survival. Adjuvant radiotherapy, extracapsular spread, and perineural and vascular invasion did not influence survival. Our study demonstrates that the extent of parotid disease is an independent prognostic factor for metastatic head and neck cutaneous SCC.     

Incidence of cervical node involvement in metastatic cutaneous malignancy involving the parotid gland

BACKGROUND: The parotid lymph nodes represent an important group of nodes at risk for metastatic involvement from cutaneous malignancies of the head and neck. When treating patients with metastatic disease in the parotid gland it has been our custom to also remove the lymph nodes of the neck on the basis that these nodes represent other nodal groups at risk for metastatic involvement. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of cervical node involvement among patients with clinical metastatic SCC or melanoma of the parotid to determine whether treatment of the clinically negative neck is warranted. METHODS: The study group consists of 123 prospectively accessioned patients with clinical metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n = 73) or melanoma (n = 50) involving the parotid gland and a minimum of 2 years of follow up, irrespective of the clinical status of the neck. RESULTS: Among 73 patients with metastatic SCC in the parotid, 19 (26%) had clinical neck involvement, and 16 of these were pathologically positive (84%). A total of 37 patients had elective neck dissections, and 13 were pathologically positive, which is an overall rate of 52% neck involvement among patients having neck dissection. Among 50 patients with metastatic melanoma in the parotid, 19 (38%) patients were initially seen with clinical neck disease, and all were pathologically positive. Among 31 patients with clinically negative necks, 26 had neck dissections and seven had positive nodes (27%). Overall, 58% of patients with melanoma who had a neck dissection had positive nodes. CONCLUSION: Patients with metastatic cutaneous SCC and melanoma involving the parotid gland had a high incidence of clinical (26% and 38%, respectively) and occult neck disease (35% and 27%). Treatment of the clinically negative neck in the presence of clinical metastatic parotid cancer should be considered to reduce the likelihood of failure in cervical nodes, to define the extent of disease, and to assist with patient selection for adjuvant therapy.     

Patterns of lymph node spread of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

BACKGROUND: Among patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck, recent studies have shown that those with involvement of the parotid gland also have a high incidence of neck node involvement. Treatment of the neck by either surgery or radiotherapy is therefore recommended among patients with parotid SCC, even if clinical examination is negative. The aim of this study was first to analyze patterns of metastatic spread in the parotid and cervical lymph nodes and then to correlate the pattern of involved nodes with the primary cutaneous site in order to guide the appropriate extent of surgery, should neck dissection be used to treat the neck in patients with parotid SCC. METHODS: A cohort of 209 patients with cutaneous SCC of the head and neck and clinically evident regional metastatic disease was reviewed retrospectively from 3 Australian institutions. The distribution of involved nodes was obtained from pathology reports; the anatomic sites of primary cutaneous cancers were then correlated with these findings. RESULTS: Among 209 patients, 171 (82%) had clinical parotid involvement. Of these, 28 had clinical neck disease, whereas 143 had parotid disease alone. Thirty-eight (18%) patients had neck disease only. A total of 199 patients were treated surgically, whereas 10 received radiotherapy alone. Surgery included 172 parotidectomies and 151 neck dissections (93 of which were elective). Primary sites were cheek (21.7%), pinna (20.4%), temple (15.8%), forehead (15.8%), postauricular region (5.9%), neck (5.3%), anterior scalp (5.3%), posterior scalp (3.3%), periorbital (3.3%), nose (2.6%), and chin (0.6%). Among pathologically positive necks, level II was most frequently involved (79%). Level IV (13%) and level V (17%) were only involved in extensive lymph node disease, the exception being for isolated level V metastases from the posterior scalp. CONCLUSIONS: Primary sites were mainly localized to the lateral aspect of the head. Among patients with cutaneous SCC involving the parotid and neck, level II was the most commonly involved neck level. The distribution of involved nodes suggests that in a patient with parotid involvement and a clinically negative neck with an anterolateral primary, a supraomohyoid neck dissection, always including the external jugular lymph node(s) would be appropriate. In the case of a posterior primary, level V should be dissected as well. In patients with parotid SCC and a clinically positive neck, a comprehensive neck dissection is recommended.     

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck metastasizing to the parotid gland--a review of current recommendations

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck may metastasize in up to 5% of patients, with the parotid lymph nodes the most frequent site for spread. Metastases frequently show delayed presentation after the primary cancer had been treated. The optimum treatment should be surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy, with an appropriate parotidectomy, and preservation of the facial nerve if not involved by tumor and treatment to the neck. In a clinically N0 neck, levels I to III should be cleared for facial primaries, levels II to III for anterior scalp and external ear primaries, and levels II to V for posterior scalp primaries. Approximate 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) after treatment was 70% to 75%. Patients with immunosuppression, in particular transplant recipients, are at high risk of developing aggressive metastatic cutaneous SCC. Modifications of the staging systems have demonstrated the prognostic benefits of accurately staging parotid and/or neck nodal disease.     

Cutaneous metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to the parotid gland: analysis and outcome

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to review the presentation, treatment, and outcome of patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma involving the parotid gland at a tertiary referral center. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of the cancer registry at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, from 1970 to 2001. All patients had a previously untreated metastatic cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma involving the parotid gland. A minimal follow-up of 1 year was mandatory for inclusion in the study. RESULTS: Fifty-six white patients (43 men and 13 women), with a median age of 76 years (range, 49-97 years), were eligible for inclusion. The disease in all patients was retrospectively staged according to a new system. Twenty patients had P1 disease, 14 had P2, and 22 had P3. Therapy included surgery and adjuvant external beam radiation in 37 patients, single-modality external beam radiation in 12, and surgery alone in seven patients. The overall recurrence rate was 29%. The disease-specific survival was significantly worse in patients treated with external beam radiation alone (p <.05). Tumor size >6 cm (p <.01) and the presence of facial nerve involvement (p <.01) were poor prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to the parotid gland is an aggressive neoplasm that requires combination therapy. The presence of a lesion in excess of 6 cm or with facial nerve involvement is associated with a poor prognosis.     

Pattern of regional metastases from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

OBJECTIVE: To assess the pattern of regional metastases from SCC of the skin of the head and neck as a prognostic factor. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective chart review of 22 patients treated in a tertiary academic center. RESULTS: Metastases could be assessed clinically in the parotid gland and the neck in 50% and 59% of the patients, respectively. Histologic examination showed metastases in the parotid gland and the neck in 68% and 45.5%, respectively. Occult disease was 36% and 20% in the parotid gland and neck, respectively. The 1st echelon for metastasis was the parotid gland lymph nodes, whereas level II lymph nodes were the 1st echelon in the neck. Metastases to both the parotid gland and neck decreased the overall survival to 0, compared with 60% for metastases to the parotid gland and 100% for the neck. CONCLUSIONS: SCC of the skin of the head and neck with regional metastases has a high incidence of occult metastases in the parotid gland and the neck. Patients with metastases in both sites have a poor prognosis.     

Squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to evaluate the outcome of patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the parotid gland. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of the tumor registry from 1982 through 2003 at a tertiary referral medical center. Patients with SCC of the parotid gland were identified and followed for a minimum of 2 years after therapy. RESULTS: SCC involving the parotid was identified in 66 patients. The tumor was a metastasis from a known primary site in 41 patients (62%). In 16 patients (24%), no other primary site was identified, and the tumor may have originated in the parotid gland. Nine patients (14%) were undetermined. Therapy frequently included surgery. The integrity of the facial nerve was preserved in 92% of surgical patients. Only eight patients initially had clinical evidence of cervical metastasis; however, cervical metastasis was identified in 25 patients (44%), changing the course of therapy. CONCLUSION: SCC of the parotid gland was metastatic from a known primary tumor in more than half of the patients. The most common site of the primary tumor was a cutaneous malignancy of the head and neck. The high incidence of cervical lymph node involvement underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic importance of neck dissection with parotidectomy.     

HN10PMETASTATIC CUTANEOUS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA TO THE PAROTID GLAND

Purpose With an incidence rate of 300 cases per 100000 population per year, Australia has the highest incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the world. Metastatic cutaneous SCC in parotid lymph nodes are aggressive tumours with poor outcomes both in terms of local control and survival. Methodology This study reports a prospective series of 41 consecutive patients with metastatic SCC to the parotid gland in a major teaching hospital in Western Australia over a six‐year period from January 2000 to December 2005. Epidemiological, clinical, histopathological and treatment details along with patterns of failure were extracted from the database. The survival and failure curves were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using Cox regression method. Results The five‐year absolute survival is 34.2% and the cancer specific survival 39.5%. Local failure was observed in 11 patients for an actuarial rate of local disease free survival of 65.8% at 6 years. Distant failure occurred in two patients for an actuarial distant disease free survival of 89.5% at 6 years. Both univariate and multivariate analysis failed to find any predictors of local or distant failure with statistical significance. Conclusions Multimodality treatment will still fail to locally control or cure at least a third of patients. Previously identified risk factors were not substantiated in this study and may relate to patient numbers. Parotidectomy and post‐operative radiotherapy remain the gold standard. Unlike their cutaneous counter parts metastatic SCC to the parotid gland remains an aggressive tumour with current treatment regimes.     

Outcomes following parotidectomy for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma with microscopic residual disease: implications for facial nerve preservation

Background.

Metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the parotid is an aggressive disease, requiring combined modality treatment of surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy to achieve cure. This study aims to determine whether facial nerve preservation followed by radiotherapy is a reasonable option in patients with microscopic residual disease involving the facial nerve.

Methods.

One hundred seventy‐six patients with metastatic cutaneous SCC involving the parotid were analyzed.

Results.

In this cohort, 15 patients who underwent nerve‐sparing surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy were found to have involved margins adjacent to the facial nerve. Comparing this group to patients with clear margins showed no difference in local recurrence or survival. Only 3 patients in this group developed local recurrence, and all successfully salvaged by further surgery.

Conclusion.

This study suggests that patients with metastatic cutaneous SCC to the parotid with microscopic residual disease involving the facial nerve and normal function can be successfully treated with a facial nerve–sparing approach and timely postoperative radiotherapy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009     

Effect of immunocompromise on metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the parotid and neck

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to examine the effect of a compromised immune state on the outcomes in patients treated for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with metastatic cutaneous SCC to the parotid and neck treated at Greenlane Hospital between 1992 and 2002 was conducted. Outcomes were compared between immune-competent and immunocompromised patients. A logistic regression analysis of likely risk factors for poor outcome was done. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were identified, nine of whom were immunocompromised. All patients were treated by parotidectomy and/or neck dissection. The facial nerve was sacrificed in 42% of the patients. Thirty-seven patients underwent postoperative radiotherapy (76%). Recurrence was significantly more common in the immunocompromised group (56% vs 28%), with higher rates of local and distant recurrence. Survival at 1 and 2 years was reduced. CONCLUSION: Immunocompromise has a significant impact on the outcome of metastatic cutaneous SCC to the parotid and neck, affecting recurrence and survival.     

The first international conference on sentinel node biopsy in mucosal head and neck cancer and adoption of a multicenter trial protocol

Background Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is a new technique in staging the clinically N0 neck. On June 25 and 26, 2001, the First International Conference on Sentinel Node Biopsy in Mucosal Head and Neck Cancer took place in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Methods Twenty-two centers contributed results on the use of SNB as a staging tool in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The pathology of the sentinel node was compared with that of the pathologic neck specimen. Results Three hundred sixteen clinically N0 necks were included. Sentinel nodes were identified in 301 necks (95%). Of these 301 necks, 76 necks were staged positive with SNB, and 225 were staged negative. The overall sensitivity of the procedure was 90%. Centers who had performed ≦10 cases had a lower sensitivity (57%), discovering only 4 of 7 metastatic nodes, in comparison with 72 of 77 metastatic nodes discovered forcenters that had performed >10 cases (sensitivity, 94%). Conclusions The cumulative results of all those who contributed to the first international conference confirm that there is a role for SNB for staging the clinically N0 neck, and it has a similar sensivity to that of a staging neck dissection.     

Utility of Sentinel Lymphadenectomy in the Management of Patients With High-Risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an aggressive tumor with a significant rate of metastasis, especially nodal, and deaths yearly. Sentinel lymphadenectomy may be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of patients with cutaneous SCC at high risk for metastases with a clinical N0 status. OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical and pathologic features in nine patients who underwent this procedure at a tertiary-care cancer center. METHODS: Since 1995, a total of nine patients from the Cutaneous Oncology Program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center received preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel lymphadenectomy for high-risk cutaneous SCC with a clinical N0 status. RESULTS: Histologically positive nodes were found in 4 of 9 cases (44%). Two of the four patients with positive sentinel nodes died of metastatic disease within 2 years. All five patients with negative sentinel nodes are alive and well at a median follow-up of 8 months (mean of 13 months). Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel lymphadenectomy were well tolerated by all patients. CONCLUSION: In this small series of predominantly trunk and extremity high-risk SCCs, sentinel lymph node biopsy was technically feasible with low morbidity. Sentinel lymphadenectomy may prove to have an important role in the management of high-risk cutaneous SCC with a clinical N0 status.     

Metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to the parotid: the role of surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy to achieve best outcome

Background: Australia has the highest incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the world. The majority of lesions occur in the head and neck with metastases to the parotid gland lymph nodes reflecting an uncommon, but aggressive, manifestation. Parotidectomy ± neck dissection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered as best practice. Methods: Between 1983 and 2000, seventy-four patients were treated for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to the parotid with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy at Westmead Hospital, Sydney. Relevant data were extracted from patient files and a prospectively maintained database. Patterns of relapse and outcome were analysed. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 65 years (34−93 years) in 63 men and 11 women. Median follow-up duration was 41 months (12−188 months). All patients underwent parotidectomy with 52 undergoing a simultaneous neck dissection. Twelve patients required sacrifice of the facial nerve (4) or one or more branches (8). All received adjuvant radiotherapy to the parotid region with 56 also receiving radiotherapy to the ipsilateral neck. Despite treatment, 24% developed locoregional recurrence, with a median time to relapse of 7.5 months. The most common site for recurrence was the treated parotid region and upper neck. Most relapsed patients died. No variable independently predicted for locoregional recurrence on multivariate analysis. The 5-year absolute and cause-specific survival rates were 58% and 72%, respectively. Conclusion: Parotid gland lymph node metastases from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are associated with a high rate of recurrence and cause-specific mortality despite current best practice (surgery and high dose adjuvant radiotherapy). The role of more aggressive surgery, altered fractionation or chemotherapy to enhance locoregional control remains unclear.     

Bone marrow metastases from small cell cancer of the head and neck

Background. Primary small cell carcinoma of the head and neck is rare. Although the larynx is the most prevalent site of head and neck small cell carcinoma (SCC), this report will concentrate on SCC of the major salivary glands and paranasal sinuses. In all, 33 cases of paranasal sinus and 43 cases of major salivary gland SCC have been reported in the literature. Methods. We report two patients, one with submandibular gland SCC and the other with maxillary sinus SCC. A literature review of all known paranasal sinus and major salivary gland SCC with inclusion of data from these two new cases is undertaken. Discussion of all past and present cases concentrates on sites of metastasis, treatment, and survival. Results. Paranasal sinus SCCs predominantly arise from the nasal cavity, whereas the parotid gland is the primary site in three fourths of major salivary gland SCCs. One half of major salivary gland and three fourths of paranasal sinus SCCs have only local disease at presentation. Both patients in this report developed bone marrow metastases, a feature heretofore not observed in SCC from these primary sites. The patient with maxillary sinus SCC developed the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Conclusion. The paranasal sinus and major salivary glands are rare primary sites for SCCs. Long-term survival with local therapy in patients with local disease can occur, but in patients with metastatic disease survival mirrors metastatic pulmonary SCC. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma without clinically evident metastasis

BACKGROUND: The clinically N0 neck in patients with oral SCC is commonly treated by neck dissection because the existence of metastases cannot be excluded. To determine whether unnecessary treatment could be avoided, we evaluated the feasibility of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. METHODS: Fifteen previously untreated patients with T1 or T2 oral SCC without clinically or radiologically detectable metastasis were included. A blue dye and gamma probe were used to identify SLNs. SLNs were stained with cytokeratins. All nodes in neck dissection specimens were stained using H and E. RESULTS: SLNs were identified in 14 patients by lymphoscintigraphy and in all patients when probe and dye were combined. Four neck dissection specimens contained four metastatic lymph nodes. Three of the four lymph nodes were SLN. One SLN was found to be metastatic after immunostaining. However, although there was one blue sentinel node in one neck, a metastatic non-SLN was present. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that SLN biopsy is a promising tool for use in patients with oral SCC. However, further studies are necessary.     

Dissection of the submuscular recess (sublevel IIb) in squamous cell cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract: prospective study and systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Selective neck dissection is commonly used to clear occult neck metastases in the N0 neck. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of occult metastases in lymph nodes of sublevel IIb (submuscular recess; SMR) in upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of clinically and radiologically staged N0 necks and to perform a systematic review of the literature on the incidence of metastases in this setting. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 50 neck dissections and systematic review of the literature. RESULTS: (A) Prospective study: Tissue dissected out from the SMR was sent separately for histopathologic analysis. Between 0 and 7 nodes were harvested from sublevel IIb. One patient had a metastatic node in sublevel IIb with extracapsular spread in the ipsilateral neck. No other positive nodes were detected. Sixteen necks showed occult metastases at other levels. (B) Systematic review: The review identified 14 articles with 903 necks suitable for inclusion. The overall incidence of metastatic disease at this sublevel in the context of an N0 neck from any site is 2.0% (18 of 903). The incidence of occult metastatic disease in sublevel IIb for oral cavity, oropharyngeal, and laryngeal cancer is 3.9% (11 of 279), 5.2% (5 of 96), and 0.4% (1 of 230) patients, respectively. Contralateral positive nodes (0.9%) and isolated metastases (0.3%) at this sublevel were rare. CONCLUSION: Nodal metastases are uncommon in the SMR even in the presence of positive nodes in adjacent sublevel IIa. There appears to be no advantage in performing contralateral SMR dissection in N0 necks and in laryngeal primaries.     

Localized carcinoma of the external ear is an unrecognized aggressive disease with a high propensity for local regional recurrence.

Management problems in patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the external ear (pinna) have prompted a review of the management and treatment outcomes of patients who present with localized disease. Forty patients were seen over a 15-year period (1972 to 1991). Thirty-six were men, and 4 were women, with an age range from 43 to 93 years (average age: 71 years). Presenting TNM status was stage 0 in 2 patients, stage I in 15 patients, stage II in 13 patients, stage III in 2 patients, stage IV in 4 patients, and unknown stage in 4 patients. Thirty-six patients had clinically negative nodes at presentation (N0), and 4 had palpable nodes (N+). The primary treatment was local excision in 13 patients, Mohs' micrographic surgery in 16 patients, local excision plus external beam radiotherapy in 4 patients, and radical resection (parotidectomy/neck dissection/mastoidectomy) with or without radiotherapy in 5 patients. Two patients with stage IV disease died after diagnosis and prior to treatment, and two other patients with stage IV disease received palliative chemotherapy. Twenty patients developed recurrence from 2 months to 8 years. It included nine local recurrences, eight regional recurrences (parotid/neck/mastoid), and three distant metastases (lung or brain). After treatment of the recurrences in 20 patients, 8 are alive 15 months to 16 years later, 2 patients died of other diseases, and 10 patients died of SCC. The recurrences were managed by reoperation, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. From the results of this study, we conclude that localized carcinoma of the external ear has a high propensity for local and regional failure and merits more aggressive treatment of the primary lesion and elective treatment of the regional lymph nodes and parotid gland in high-risk patients.     

Selective neck dissections for squamous carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: patterns of regional failure.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons have been using selective neck dissections in the treatment of squamous carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract for over 20 years. To date, no data is available that can answer the question "What are the patterns of failure in the neck following a selective neck dissection and is a selective neck dissection a reliable procedure for metastatic disease?" METHODS: To answer this question, the medical records of all patients with squamous carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx treated at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center from January 1, 1985-December 31, 1990, with a selective neck dissection were reviewed. Five hundred seventeen neck dissections were analyzed: suprahyoid (41), supraomohyoid (284), and anterolateral (192). The end point of the study was regional failure and survival. RESULTS: Regional recurrence in patients treated with a suprahyoid dissection was 43% with pathologically positive nodes. The regional recurrence in the patients treated with a supraomohyoid neck dissection was 1.9% with pathologically negative nodes, 35.7% with path N1 without postoperative radiation therapy, and 5.6% with postoperative radiation therapy. The neck staged pathologically N2B failed with and without postoperative radiation, 8.3% and 14%, respectively. Thirteen percent of the anterior/lateral neck dissections failed regionally. If multiple pathologically positive nodes (N2B) were present, the regional failure with postoperative radiation was 30% and 33.3% without postoperative radiation. CONCLUSION: The results of this retrospective study suggest that a selective neck dissection is a satisfactory staging procedure and is a definitive operation if all the nodes are pathologically negative. However, if a node is found to be invaded with cancer, the use of postoperative radiation is advisable.     

Parotid selective lymphadenectomy in malignant melanoma.

Malignant melanoma of the head and neck can metastasize to lymph nodes within the parotid gland. Selective lymphadenectomy is the modern method of staging regional lymph node basins in clinically localized melanoma. This procedure involves intraoperative lymphatic mapping and directed, selective removal of the first draining nodes or sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). Historically, the assessment of parotid lymph nodes would involve a superficial parotidectomy with facial nerve dissection. Since 1993, 28 patients with localized melanoma of the head and neck have demonstrated lymphatic drainage to parotid lymph nodes on preoperative lymphoscintigraphy. The overall success rate of parotid selective lymphadenectomy is 86% (24 of 28 patients). Of the 28 patients, there were 6 early patients in whom blue dye alone was utilized intraoperatively, and the success rate is 50% (3 of 6 patients). When blue dye and radiocolloid mapping techniques are combined, the parotid selective lymphadenectomy is successful in 95% of patients (21 of 22 patients). Four of the 24 patients (17%) had metastases to the SLNs and underwent therapeutic superficial parotidectomy and/or modified radical neck dissection. After completion of the therapeutic superficial parotidectomy, 1 of the 4 patients was found to have an additional parotid (nonsentinel) node with melanoma metastases. None of the patients incurred injury to the facial nerve by parotid selective lymphadenectomy. To date, 2 of 28 patients (7%) have had regional recurrence to the parotid gland. Failure of the SLN technique may occur when blue dye alone is used, when human serum albumin (not sulfur colloid) is the radiocolloid, when prior wide excision and skin graft is present before lymphatic mapping, and when all SLNs are not retrieved. We conclude that parotid selective lymphadenectomy is a safe and reliable alternative to superficial parotidectomy for staging clinically localized melanoma of the head and neck.     

Cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to parotid and cervical lymph nodes

Nonmelanoma skin cancers occur at an epidemic rate in Australia and are increasing in incidence worldwide. In most patients, local treatment is curative. However, a subset of patients will be diagnosed with a high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and are defined as patients at increased risk of developing metastases to regional lymph nodes. Patients with high-risk SCC may be identified based on primary lesion and patient factors. Most cutaneous SCC arises on the sun-exposed head and neck. The parotid and upper cervical nodes are common sites for the development of metastases arising from ear, anterior scalp, temple/forehead, or scalp SCC. The mortality and morbidity associated with high-risk cutaneous SCC is usually a consequence of uncontrolled metastatic nodal disease and, to a lesser extent, distant metastases. Patients with operable nodal disease have traditionally been recommended for surgery. The efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy has previously been questioned based on weak evidence in the early literature. Recent evidence from larger studies has, however, strengthened the case for adjuvant radiotherapy as a means to improve locoregional control and survival. Despite this, many patients still experience relapse and die. Research aimed at improving outcome such as a randomized trial incorporating the addition of chemotherapy to adjuvant radiotherapy is currently in progress in Australia and New Zealand. Ongoing research also includes the development of a proposed new staging system and investigating the role of molecular factors such as the epidermal growth factor receptor.