Sulen Sarioglu1, Nilhan Akbulut1, Selen Iplikci1, Barbaros Aydin2, Ersoy Dogan3, Mehtat Unlu1, Hulya Ellidokuz4, Emel Ada5, Fadime Akman2, Ahmet Omer Ikiz3. 1. Department of Pathology, Dokuz Eylul University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. 2. Department of Radiation Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. 3. Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Dokuz Eylul University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. 4. Department of Preventive Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Oncology, Izmir, Turkey. 5. Department of Radiodiagnostics, Dokuz Eylul University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tumor deposits, nodules in the peritumoral adipose tissue with no architectural residue of lymph node, have previously been described in colorectal adenocarcinomas. To date, however, there has been no examination of tumor deposits in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS: Neck dissection specimens of 140 patients with HNSCC were reevaluated for tumor deposits. RESULTS: Tumor deposits were detected in 24 cases (17%). Cases with tumor deposits had more lymphatic invasion (p = .007), higher pathological N classification (p = .00), and more frequently showed distant metastasis (p = .003). Disease-free and overall survival were significantly shorter for tumor deposit positive cases (p = .016 and p = .005, respectively). Only tumor deposits were significant for overall survival. Tumor deposits increased the risk of recurrent disease 2294 times. Tumor deposits and pericapsular invasion were identified as independent prognostic markers; tumor deposits increased the risk of death from disease 3.4 times, whereas pericapsular invasion was associated with a 2.2-fold increase in the risk of death. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the existence of tumor deposits in neck dissection specimens of HNSCC and their association with poor prognosis.
BACKGROUND:Tumor deposits, nodules in the peritumoral adipose tissue with no architectural residue of lymph node, have previously been described in colorectal adenocarcinomas. To date, however, there has been no examination of tumor deposits in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS: Neck dissection specimens of 140 patients with HNSCC were reevaluated for tumor deposits. RESULTS:Tumor deposits were detected in 24 cases (17%). Cases with tumor deposits had more lymphatic invasion (p = .007), higher pathological N classification (p = .00), and more frequently showed distant metastasis (p = .003). Disease-free and overall survival were significantly shorter for tumor deposit positive cases (p = .016 and p = .005, respectively). Only tumor deposits were significant for overall survival. Tumor deposits increased the risk of recurrent disease 2294 times. Tumor deposits and pericapsular invasion were identified as independent prognostic markers; tumor deposits increased the risk of death from disease 3.4 times, whereas pericapsular invasion was associated with a 2.2-fold increase in the risk of death. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the existence of tumor deposits in neck dissection specimens of HNSCC and their association with poor prognosis.