Selective neck dissection (IIA, III): a rational replacement for complete functional neck dissection in patients with N0 supraglottic and glottic squamous carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimal elective treatment of the neck for patients with supraglottic and glottic squamous carcinoma. During the past century, various types of necks dissection have been employed including conventional and modified radical neck dissection (MRND), selective neck dissection (SND) and various modifications of SND.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A number of studies were reviewed to compare the results of MRND and SND in regional recurrence and survival of patients with supraglottic and glottic cancers, as well as the distribution of lymph node metastases in these tumors.
RESULTS: Data from seven prospective, multi-institutional, pathologic, and molecular analyses of neck dissection specimens, obtained from 272 patients with laryngeal squamous carcinoma and clinically negative necks, revealed only four patients (1.4%) with positive lymph nodes at sublevel IIB. Data was also collected from three prospective, multi-institutional, pathologic and molecular studies of neck dissection specimens which include 175 patients with laryngeal squamous carcinoma (only 2 with subglottic cancer) and clinically negative necks. Only six patients (3.4%) had positive nodes at level IV.
CONCLUSIONS: SND of sublevel IIA and level III appears to be adequate for elective surgical treatment of the neck in supraglottic and glottic squamous carcinoma. Dissection of level IV lymph nodes may not be justified for elective neck dissection of stage N0 supraglottic and glottic squamous carcinoma. Bilateral neck dissection in cases of supraglottic cancer may be necessary only in patients with centrally or bilaterally located tumors.