Arch Craniofac Surg.  2017 Jun;18(2):105-111. 10.7181/acfs.2017.18.2.105.

Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lower Lip: Analysis of the 5-Year Survival Rate

• Agostini T
• Spinelli G
• Arcuri F
• Perello R

• KMID: 2384567
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2017.18.2.105

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The author analyse the impact of extracapsular lymph node spread and bone engagement in the ipsilateral neck of patients suffering squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lower lip.
METHODS
The data of 56 neck dissections performed in patients suffering SCC of the lower lip between January 2000 and December 2008 were retrospectively analysed. Statistical analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier life table method, and the survival rate was investigated with the log rank statistic and significance test. The values were considered statistically significant at p<0.05.
RESULTS
Nine patients took advantage from simultaneous treatment of tumor and prophylactic neck dissection (level I-III), reaching 100% survival rate. Patients suffering metastasized disease, who received radical neck dissection at the time of tumor treatment, presented 83.3% survival rate. Patients who underwent previous surgery and radiotherapy presented worse prognosis although radical neck dissection in case of extra-capsular spread only (24.7%) and osseous engagement (22.2%).
CONCLUSION
Prophylactic neck dissection (level I-III) is recommended in T3-T4 N0 SCC. Simultaneous treatment of tumor and cervical lymph nodes provides a better prognosis as respect to delayed nodal management. Extra-capsular spread with or without bone engagement represents independent risk factor responsible for high mortality rate of SCC of the lower lip.

Keyword

Squamous cell carcinoma; Lip; Neck dissection

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell*
Epithelial Cells*
Humans
Life Tables
Lip*
Lymph Nodes
Mortality
Neck
Neck Dissection
Prognosis
Radiotherapy
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Survival Rate*