Accuracy of Adjunct OPD Ultrasonography for Cervical Lymph Node Staging in Oral Cavity Cancer
Nithi Srisukhumchai MD1, Warinthorn Phuttharak MD2, Bowornsilp Chowchuen MD, MBA1, Palakorn Surakunprapha MD1, Kamonwan Jenwitheesuk MD1
Affiliation : 1 Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Oral cavity cancer has a good survival outcome if detected early and properly managed; however, thorough
investigation is required for cervical lymph node staging, which can delay surgery. The authors examined the accuracy OPD
ultrasounds in a number of cases, to try a simpler investigative method.
Objective : Our aim was to investigate the accuracy of OPD ultrasounds for use in cervical lymph node staging in oral cavity
cancer.
Materials and Methods : Between January 2015 and February 2016, oral cavity cancer patients at Srinagarind Hospital
underwent both manual physical examination and OPD ultrasound for pre-operative cervical lymph node staging.
Results : Fifty patients had oral cavity cancer (23 [46%] males and 27 [54%] females). The respective sensitivity, specificity,
and accuracy of cervical lymph node staging via manual physical examination vs. staging by OPD ultrasound was 77.3%,
60.7%, and 68% vs. 100%, 82.1%, and 90%.
Conclusion : In cases of oral cavity cancer, adjunct OPD ultrasonography demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity, and
accuracy for pre-operative cervical lymph node staging.
Keywords : Ultrasound, Oral cavity cancer, Cervical lymph node
