Prognostic Implications of Occult Nodal Metastases in Patients with Clinically N0 Primary Parotid Gland Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Bang Jooin, Lee Oh-Hyeong, Kim Geun-Jeon, Sun Dong-Il, Kim Sang-Yeon, Pérez-Sayáns Mario
Primary Institution: The Catholic University of Korea
Hypothesis
The study evaluates the prognostic utilities of occult nodal metastases in patients with clinically N0 primary parotid gland cancer.
Conclusion
PAR metastases significantly reduced the 5-year disease-free survival in patients with clinically N0 primary parotid gland cancer, particularly in early pT1/2 cases.
Supporting Evidence
- Among 74 patients, 48 (64.8%) were pT1/2 cases, and 26 (35.2%) were pT3/4 cases.
- PAR metastases were observed in 12 patients (16.2%), and other occult metastases were present in 8 patients (10.8%).
- Both perineural and lymphatic invasion were negatively associated with the 5-year DFS.
Takeaway
This study found that hidden cancer spread in certain lymph nodes can make it harder for patients with early-stage parotid gland cancer to stay cancer-free after treatment.
Methodology
The study retrospectively reviewed medical charts of patients who underwent surgery for clinically N0 primary parotid gland cancers from 2000 to 2022, focusing on 5-year overall and disease-free survival.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may be present due to the retrospective nature of the study and the single-institution setting.
Limitations
The study is limited by its retrospective design, small sample size, and the exclusion of recent histopathological classification updates.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 47.1 years, with 45.9% male and 54.1% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 1.325–9.421
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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