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Value of Sentinel Lymphadenectomy in Head and Neck Cancer

From the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (JAW, AAD, BJF), Department of Pathology (RM), and Department of Nuclear Medicine (ThB), Philipps University of Marburg, Germany.

Correspondence: Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Jochen A. Werner, MD, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Philipps University, Deutschhausstrasse 3, 35037 Marburg, Germany; Fax: 49-6421-2866367; E-mail: wernerj{at}med.uni-marburg.de

ABSTRACT

The increasing interest in the so-called sentinel node concept, which has recently been adapted to squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract, can be explained by encouraging results in other tumor entities. Although the publications on this topic do not yet allow a final judgment on the significance of sentinel lymphadenectomy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, early results emphasize the importance of this new diagnostic and therapeutic concept. The basic prerequisite is a detailed knowledge of the existing method-specific limitations in this anatomic region. Critical and careful evaluation of the sentinel node concept is mandatory prior to its application to other tumor entities. Sentinel lymphadenectomy for head and neck cancer may prove helpful if the indications for its use are clearly defined.

Key Words: Head and neck • Sentinel lymphadenectomy • Sentinel node • Squamous cell carcinoma