Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: US-guided fine-needle aspiration ofsentinel lymph nodes for improved staging - Initial experience

Ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration with cytologic examinati on was combined with lymphoscintigraphy for the identification of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in 12 patients with a squamous cell carcinoma of the ora l cavity or oropharynx. Dynamic lymphoscintigraphy and a hand-held gamma pr obe were used to depict the SLNs to be aspirated. Cytologic examination of the aspirated SLNs revealed neck lymph node status in patients who underwen t neck dissection (n = 6). In patients who underwent only transoral excisio n, one false-negative cytologic result was observed. This combined approach is expected to improve the detection of occult neck lymph node metastases.