Viable tumor in salvage neck dissections in head and neck cancer: Relation with initial treatment, change of lymph node size and human papillomavirus

Viable tumor in salvage neck dissections is associated with reduced survival. Radiotherapy alone, human papillomavirus negative cancer and increase in lymph node size, are associated with viable tumor in salvage neck dissections. In case of decreased or stable lymph node size after chemoradiation, watchful waiting could be considered.