Prognostic influence of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx

Conclusions: Retropharyngeal node involvement has a negative impact on the prognosis of squamous cell cancer of the oropharynx. Patients are particularly at risk for regional recurrence, resulting in worse disease-specific survival. Retropharyngeal node involvement should be taken into account in designing the treatment plan for these patients.