DETECTION OF LATERO-CERVICAL METASTASES FROM ORAL-CANCER

In squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, the presence of nodal m etastases greatly influences prognosis. The evaluation of regional lym ph nodal involvement is crucial in the correct management of these neo plasms. The records of 45 patients with oral cancer were reviewed retr ospectively to evaluate the accuracy and prognostic value of the techn iques used to detect lymph node metastasis in the neck (clinical exami nation, echo-colour-Doppler, computed tomography and magnetic resonanc e imaging). Echo-colour-Doppler was the most accurate procedure with a predictive positive value of 95.6% and the lowest false-negative rate . Therefore, a diagnostic preoperative study must include echo-colour- Doppler preferably associated with computed tomography to achieve the greatest diagnostic accuracy.