Indications and outcomes for elective dissection of level V in primary parotid cancer. Issue 6 (18th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Katz, Andrew P.; Larkin, Riley; Cohen, Erin R.; Franzmann, Elizabeth; Weed, Donald; Civantos, Francisco
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 44:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 1349
• Page End: 1355
• Publication Date: 2022-03-18
• Subjects: head and neck cancer -- neck dissection -- parotid -- salivary gland cancer; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.27030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The extent of cervical lymphadenectomy required for primary parotid cancer is not well‐established. Methods: In this retrospective case–control study, 84 patients who underwent primary parotidectomy and neck dissection for primary parotid cancer between 2010 and 2019 were identified and analyzed. Results: Of the 84 patients, 37 underwent elective level V neck dissection. All six (16.0%) who had occult level V nodes had clinically evident, preoperative anterior cervical metastases, a statistically significant finding. No other clinical factors are correlated with posterior neck involvement. There was no significant difference in disease‐free or overall survival for patients with occult level V disease relative to positive lymph nodes in other levels. Conclusions: Patients with clinically evident anterolateral cervical lymphatic metastases from parotid cancer preoperatively have high rates of occult level V nodes. Level V neck dissection can be avoided in cN0 patients and offered no survival advantage.