Incidence of Skip Metastasis in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the incidence of skip metastasis in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma, focusing on those who presented to tertiary care settings in Lahore. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with a prospective time frame. The sample size was determined using the formula for estimating proportions, which was 59. Sixty patients with TSCC were selected based on rigorous inclusion criteria, and informed consent was taken before participants were included in the study. Paper-based forms were used to collect data following the examination of the patient by the researcher after obtaining informed consent. After the collection of results, an analysis was done to determine the correlation between the prevalence of SM and factors such as age, gender, level of lymph node involvement, smoking status, betel chewing, and alcohol usage. Results: Of the 60 participants, 71% showed evidence of metastasis involving lymph node levels I-IV. Isolated skip metastasis (SM), involving only levels IV and V, was only seen in 5% of the total group. The prevalence of skip metastasis could be correlated with gender, indicating a male predilection. Advanced age did not impact the prevalence of skip metastasis, as the mean age of participants was 54, while that for showing skip metastasis was 51.3 years. Conclusion: The study provides clinicians with a deeper understanding of the prevalence of skip metastasis. However, further research is necessary to improve the diagnosis and management of TSCC. This study provides avenues for further research into skip metastasis, its existence in the Pakistani population, and its thorough management.