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

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.