# Evaluation of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma undergoing selective neck dissection with positive nodes among Indian patients

## TL;DR

This study evaluates the effectiveness of selective neck dissection in Indian patients with oral cavity cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into surgical outcomes and prognostic factors for selective neck dissection in node-positive oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in an Indian population.

## Key findings

- Selective neck dissection provides acceptable regional control and survival outcomes in node-positive OCSCC patients.
- Extra capsular spread and positive surgical margins are significant factors for recurrence.
- Careful patient selection and surgical technique are crucial for optimizing outcomes.

## Abstract

Selective neck dissection (SND) is commonly performed in patients with node-positive oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) to
manage regional metastasis while minimizing morbidity. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the effectiveness of SND in patients
with node-positive OCSCC. We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 150 patients diagnosed with node-positive OCSCC who
underwent selective neck dissection. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical outcomes and adjuvant therapies were
recorded. The primary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included regional
recurrence and postoperative complications. Selective neck dissection is a viable surgical option for patients with node-positive OCSCC,
providing acceptable regional control and survival outcomes. Extra capsular spread and positive surgical margins are significant
prognostic factors for recurrence. Careful patient selection and meticulous surgical technique are essential for optimizing outcomes.