Value of lingual lymph node metastasis in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue: Lingual Lymph Node Metastasis

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of lingual lymph node (LLN) metastasis on locoregional control (LRC) in patients with locally advanced tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS: A total of 231 patients were prospectively enrolled. Analyses focused on the association between the LLN metastasis and clinical pathologic variables as well as the significance of LLN metastasis in predicting prognosis. RESULTS: LLNs were noted in 58 patients, 33 of whom were positive for LLN metastasis. LLN metastasis was significantly related to adverse pathologic characteristics. In patients with LLN metastasis, the 5-year LRC rate was 45%. In patients without LLN metastasis, the 5-year LRC rate was 65% and the difference was significant (P = 0.013). Further, Cox model analysis confirmed the independence of LLN metastasis from prognosis prediction. CONCLUSION: LLN metastasis in locally advanced tongue SCC is relatively uncommon; however, LLNs should be routinely dissected because they could significantly decrease locoregional control. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b. Laryngoscope, 129:2527-2530, 2019.