Need for Dissection of level IIb in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of oral cavity in clinically negative necks: A review of literature.

Aafreen Aftab; Ashwini Munnangi; Shruti Khatana

Volume : VIII, Issue : VIII, August - 2019

Need for Dissection of level IIb in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of oral cavity in clinically negative necks: A review of literature.

Aafreen Aftab, Ashwini Munnangi, Shruti Khatana

Abstract :

Elective neck dissection in the management of Squamous cell Carcinomas of oral cavity has become a routine procedure which entails the removal of neck nodes from level I to V, leading to undue morbidity. The shoulder dysfunction is the most common complication which affects the quality of patient�s life post-operatively. This untoward consequence can be prevented by evaluating the need for removal of level IIb in neck dissection in clinically negative neck. This review intends to evaluate the incidence of occult metastases in level IIb in cases of oral cavity SCC. Specific search strategies were used to identify articles published in literature on the topic of inclusion of level IIb in neck dissection of clinically negative necks. The review identified 8 articles which were suitable for inclusion in this review. The incidence to sublevel IIb in clinically negative neck is 4.2%, with a greater predilection when the primary tumor involved the tongue. Through this review, it can be inferred that the level IIb nodes be included in the dissection specimen only when the tongue is the primary site of involvement.