Supraomohyoid neck dissection in the management of cervical lymph node metastases of squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip

BACKGROUND: Supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHND) is generally considered an adequate staging procedure in selected patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip and oral cavity, with clinically negative nodes in the neck that are at increased risk for occult metastatic disease. The potential role of SOHND as a therapeutic surgical procedure for cervical metastasis limited to level I is controversial. METHODS: A series of 44 patients with clinical cervical lymph node metastases at level I from SCC of the lower lip is reported to evaluate the results of a treatment protocol consisting of therapeutic SOHND on indication followed by radiotherapy. RESULTS: Regional recurrences were observed in four (9%) patients. All recurrences developed within the SOHND dissected area only. CONCLUSIONS: A therapeutic SOHND, on indication followed by radiotherapy, can be an oncologically sound and effective procedure in the management of regional lymph node metastases at level I from SCC of the lower lip.