Sentinel Node Biopsy in Head and Neck Cancer

Sample size: 50 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kovács A F

Primary Institution: Universitatsklinik Haus 21 Klinik und Poliklinik fur Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie

Is sentinel node biopsy a reliable method for staging in head and neck cancer patients?

Sentinel node biopsy may reduce the need for elective neck dissections in head and neck cancer patients.

Sentinel node biopsy has been shown to reflect the accuracy of clinical and radiological staging methods.
Höft et al (2004) reported a 24% positive sentinel node rate in their study.
Previous studies have shown very rare false-negative results with sentinel node biopsy.

Doctors are trying a new way to check for cancer in the neck that might be less risky than older methods.

The study compared pathohistological results of sentinel node biopsy with elective neck dissection.

Experience with sentinel node biopsy is still limited and follow-up times are short.

Patients with head and neck cancer, including those with clinically N0 necks.

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