PREDICTORS OF LYMPHNODE METASTASIS IN SQAUMOUS CELL CARCINOMA TONGUE

Back Ground:The most important prognostic factor for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of oral is the status of cervical lymph nodes. Cure rates drop by 50% with involvement of regional lymph nodes. Cure rates drop by 50% with involvement of regional lymph nodes.The rate of occult metastasis in clinically negative neck for oral tongue cancers ranges from <20% to >30% depending on many predictors. Methods:The relationship clinical and histologic features of the primary tumor of tongue and metastasis to neck nodes was investigated in 90 patients. Results:Histopathologic features of primary tumor showed significant differences in relation to metastasis to neck nodes Conclusion:Tumor stage ,grade. vascular and perineural invasion,morphology ,tumor thickness are important predictors in predicting metastasis to neck nodes.