Relative factors of late cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with stage I or II oral squamous cell carcinoma

ObjectivesLate cervical lymph node metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a key indicator of prognosis. If the risk of late metastasis can be predicted, closer follow-up can be pursued, including necessary surgery, thus leading to improved outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate factors that could predict OSCC metastasis to the lymph nodes.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 77 patients with stage I or II OSCC at the Oral Cancer Center of Tokyo Dental College between April 2006 and March 2011. Multivariate analysis and logistic regression were conducted, and clinical factors and pathological factors were included.ResultsThe number of OSCC patients with late cervical lymph node metastasis was 14 (18.2%). The cumulative survival rate was 84.6% for patients with late cervical lymph node metastasis and 95.1% for patient without such metastasis. Metastasis to cervical lymph nodes was not associated with a significant decrease in survival according to the log-rank test. On multivariate logistic regression analysis of clinical and pathological factors, only a history of smoking was significantly related to late cervical lymph node metastasis. Three of 77 patients had angiolymphatic invasion, and all three patients developed nodal metastasis.ConclusionLogistic regression analysis showed that a history of smoking was significantly related to late cervical lymph node metastasis. Moreover, nodal metastasis was found in all cases with angiolymphatic invasion.