Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma has a high incidence and, although elective neck dissection is recommended, the removed nodes frequently present without metastasis. This surgical approach causes disabilities and increases possible surgical complications.
Objective: To evaluate the possibility of a watchful waiting approach in oral cancer.
Methods: We compared 78 patients with clinical and pathological node metastases and their counterparts with pathological node metastases but without evident clinical neck disease. Therefore, we provided a theoretical comparison between the patients who had an elective neck dissection and those who waited until a clinically positive node was evident.
Results: The prognostic factor rates were similar between the groups. Their regional recurrence and mortality rates had no statistical differences.
Conclusion: A watchful waiting policy could be applied to selected oral cancer patients who can undergo a very close follow-up. This option would be more cost-effective and less harmful than elective neck dissection.
Keywords: Epidermoid cancer; Head and neck cancer; Neck dissection; Oral carcinoma.
© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.