Extracapsular nodal extension and tumor deposits in Head and Neck
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Abstract
Background Tumor deposits (TD) are considered as Extranodal Extension
(ENE) in the AJCC 8th edition of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
(HNSCC) TNM staging. Methods We analyzed TDs in patients with HNSCC who
underwent surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy ± chemotherapy. Overall
Survival (OS) and progression rate were compared to patients with ENE.
Results ENE was detected in 50 patients, while TDs in 21. Based on the
presence of ENE alone or TDs, the mean time to progression was
significant (p<0.005). OS at three years was 55.7% for the
whole study group, 60.4% in ENE and 38.4% in TDs. OS difference
between the N2a-ENE, N3b-ENE, and the TDs ± ENE group was significant
(p=0.05). The hazard ratio between ECs and TDs was Exp (B) 2.296 (p=
0.027). Conclusions The prognostic implication of TDs represents an
independent risk factor, and a separate classification might be
required.