Predictors of Extranodal Extension in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Introduction: Extranodal extension (ENE) is a poor prognostic factor in several studies.The outcome is very poor despite aggressive treatment.The aim of this study is to figure out predictive factors for ENE.Aim: To evaluate clinical and radiological factors that predict ENE in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Patients and methods: We conducted an observation study of 106 patients with OSCC.Clinical examination by an experienced surgeon to detect the fixation of cervical lymph nodes.Enhanced contrast computed tomography (CT) scans were assessed for the level of involvement, presence of central necrosis, and presence of irregular border.The correlations among ENE and clinical and radiological factors were analyzed.Results: The rate of ENE was 23.89%.Nodal size and nodal stage were significantly correlated to ENE (p < 0.001).All patients who had nodal fixation on clinical examination that showed ENE on postoperative specimens.Conclusion: The fixed node and central necrosis node and the irregular border node were predictors for ENE in oral squamous cell carcinoma.Clinical significance: Computed tomography scans, an extremely common imaging modality, can provide the factors to predict ENE.