Cervical metastasis of maxillary squamous cell carcinoma

A retrospective study of maxillary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients attending a department of oral and maxillofacial surgery was performed for the period 2000–2010. The clinical information of 100 cases treated during this period was acquired and analyzed. Patient survival was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. For these 100 cases, the total metastatic rate was 34.0% and occult metastatic rate was 27.5%. Positive lymph nodes were mostly detected at levels I–III. There was no significant difference in metastatic rate between the primary sites of maxillary gingiva and hard palate. Tumours involving the gingival–buccal sulcus presented a significantly higher risk of metastasis. Advanced stage (T3/4) was significantly correlated with a higher metastasis rate. The pathological grade also showed a significant relationship with metastasis. Twenty-four patients presented regional recurrence. Elective neck dissection could significantly reduce the recurrence rate. The overall 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 66.3% and 56.7%, respectively. Both the T and the N stages had a significant impact on survival rates. Selective neck dissection from level I to III is recommended for T3/4 stage cN0 patients, especially those with gingival–buccal sulcus involvement.