Background: Considering the increasing clinical significance of the sentinel node (SN) concept, the applicability of the auricular VX2 carcinoma as an animal model for simulation of the SN concept was evaluated.
Materials and methods: By means of blue dye and immunofluorescence-marked colloids, the lymphatic drainage of the auricle was described in 8 New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits. In 28 NZW rabbits, the extent of metastatic spread of auricular VX2 carcinomas after 8, 18, 21, 28 and 32 days of tumor growth was examined.
Results: Lymphogenic metastatic spread was limited to the parotideal lymph node functioning as SN for 21 days. The disintegration of the physiologic integrity of the SN leads to metastatic spread in the area of the secondary lymph node station after 28 days of tumor growth with successive hematogenic spreading.
Conclusion: The auricular VX2 carcinoma in NZW rabbits is an appropriate animal model for simulation of the lymphogenic metastatic spread and the SN concept in HNSCC.