Prognostic value of vascular invasion in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Vascular invasion by malignant cells has been an accepted secondary diagnostic or prognostic factor in malignancies of the thyroid and kidney. This study of the initial biopsies from 80 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck indicates that penetration of the vascular channels by the tumor is a reliable indicator of the tumor's aggressive character. If discovered in the initial biopsy, this may be a reason to plan more comprehensive and intensive treatment than would be indicated by the clinical stage alone.