Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: US-guided fine-needle aspiration of sentinel lymph nodes for improved staging--initial experience

Radiology. 2001 Jan;218(1):289-93. doi: 10.1148/radiology.218.1.r01dc01289.

Abstract

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

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy, Needle / methods
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pilot Projects
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / methods*
  • Ultrasonography