**Current Concept of Selective Nek Dissection**

H. Hakan Coskun

*Uludag University School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology Turkey* 

#### **1. Introduction**

148 Neck Dissection – Clinical Application and Recent Advances

[23] Mizutari K, Naganishi H, Tanaka Y. Oncocytic carcinoma in the submandibular gland:

[24] Lee JS, Choi JH, Oh YH. Oncocytic carcinoma arising in the submandibular gland with

[25] Palmer TJ, Gleeson MJ, Eveson JW, et al. Oncocytic adenomas and oncocytic

[26] Ozolek JA, Bastacky SI, Myers EN, et al. Immunophenotypic comparison of salivary

[27] McHugh JB, Hoschar AP, Dvorakova M, et al. p63 Immunohistochemistry

[29] Sciubba JJ, Shimono M. Oncocytic carcinoma. In: Barnes L, Eveson JW, Reichart D,

lesions of salivary glands. J Oral Pathol Med 2009;38: 514–517

Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma. Head and Neck Pathol 2007; 1:123–131 [28] Zhou CX, Shi DY, Ma DQ et al. Primary oncocytic carcinoma of the salivary glands: a

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report of a case based on anti-mitochondrial immunohistochemical observations.

hyperplasia of salivary glands: a clinicopathological study of 26 cases.

gland oncocytoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Laryngoscope

Differentiates Salivary Gland Oncocytoma and Oncocytic Carcinoma from

clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 12 cases. Oral Oncol.

Sidransky D, editors. World Health Organization classification of tumours pathology and genetics head and neck tumours. Lyon: IARC Press; 2005. p. 235. [30] Brandwein MS, Huvos AG. Oncocytic tumors of major salivary glands: a study of 68 cases with follow-up of 44 patients. Am J Surg Pathol 1991;15(6): 514–28. [31] Demasi APD, Furuse C, Altemani A, et al. Peroxiredoxin I is overexpressed in oncocytic It has long been known that the most important prognostic factor of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is the presence of cervical lymph node metastasis. When neck metastases are not managed properly, this will result a decrease the patient's chance of survival. Radical neck dissection has been introduced in the beginning of 1900's as the surgical procedure to remove cervical lymph nodes systematically in an effort to address metastases and been used widely since then. But radical neck dissection was associated with significant morbidity and especially patients with clinically negative neck were suffering from this unnecessary morbidity. Almost 60 years after introduction of radical neck dissection, Suarez (Ferlito & Rinaldo, 2004) presented modified radical neck dissection (often termed as functional neck dissection). Though, the morbidity associated with neck dissection had been reduced by modified radical neck dissection, efforts to further reduce the morbidity continued and in 1985, Byers (Byers, 1985) reported removal of the cervical lymph node levels which are at the greatest risk for metastasis in patients with clinically negative neck, a surgical procedure which will later be called "selective neck dissection" (Robbins et al, 1991). The rationale behind selective neck dissection is removal of certain lymph node groups, which are at risk for occult metastasis, while preserving the functional structures of the neck and the lymph node groups that are not likely to contain metastasis, in an effort to reduce the risk of complications and morbidity associated with neck dissection.

The current and widely used classification of neck dissections has been introduced by a group of authors from the American Head and Neck Society and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in 2002 (Robbins, 2002). According to this classification, SND refers to selective neck dissection and the removed lymph node groups are depicted in brackets. For example selective neck dissection involving levels II to IV is recorded as SND (II-IV). The committee also recommended the extent of dissection for each anatomic sub-site. For oral cavity cancer, the recommended procedure was SND (I-III), which was formerly called as supraomohyoid neck dissection. It was noted that level IV might be involved in patients with oral tongue cancer and SND (I-IV), which was formerly called as extended supraomohyoid neck dissection, may be warranted in these patients. The recommended procedure for oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers was SND (II-IV), which was formerly called lateral neck dissection. The committee noted that level IIB involvement was rare in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, thus SND (IIA,III,IV) would be sufficient, however removal of level IIB was recommended for

Current Concept of Selective Nek Dissection 151

observation in clinically N0 oral cavity cancer. They have found that elective neck dissection reduced the rate of disease-specific death. Obviously, elective neck dissection offers a better outcome in terms of survival, but results in unnecessary morbidity in patients who do not have occult metastases. Thus we need to identify the patients who are more likely to have occult metastases and need elective neck dissection. Studies aiming to identify the rate of occult metastases in relation to various risk factors have shown that tumor thickness (depth of tumor invasion) is a very important factor. Though the tumor thickness measurement methods or tumor-thickness cut-off levels vary considerably among studies, uniformly all studies reported that tumors with a thickness of more than a certain level (ranges from 2 to 10 mm, in most studies 4 or 5 mm) are more likely to develop occult metastases (Pentenero, 2005). According to the author of this chapter's experience, almost all patients present with tumors thicker than 4 or 5 mm, thus almost all patients require elective neck dissection. Though there is general agreement on elective management of the neck, debate continues on the extent of surgery. Many studies have shown that comprehensive (i.e. level I-V) neck dissections result in unnecessary overtreatment. In a prospective multi-institutional study from Brazil (Brazilian Head and Neck Cancer Study Group, 1998), it has been shown that both modified radical and supraomohyoid neck dissections can offer comparable survival

An ideal neck dissection for clinically N0 neck should remove all the lymph node groups, which potentially harbor occult metastases while preserving the non-lymphatic structures along with the lymph node groups that are unlikely to contain occult metastases. It has been demonstrated that level V is rarely involved in oral cavity cancers (Dias, 2006). Furthermore, these rare metastases to level V occur only when other levels are involved and isolated metastasis to level V never happens (Dias, 2006). It has been well-known that levels I,II and III are the most frequently involved levels in oral cavity cancers and removal of these lymph node groups through a level I-III neck dissection (supraomohyoid neck dissection) has been the standard treatment of clinically N0 oral cavity cancer. However, extension of level I-III neck dissection to include level IV (extended supraomohyoid neck dissection) or removal of

The significance of level IV metastases without involvement of other levels (i.e. skip metastases) is yet to be known. Some authors have demonstrated that rate level IV metastases are high enough to warrant dissection of this level, with a metastasis rate of 15% (De Zinis, 2006, Byers, 1997). Also, Woolgar (Woolgar, 2006) demonstrated that an important proportion of neck recurrences occurred because of skip metastases to levels III or IV, which is a finding that supports extended supraomohyoid neck dissection for prevention of neck recurrences. On the other hand, there are various reports that demonstrate a low incidence of metastases in level IV (Mishra, 2010, Bajwa 2011). These authors have concluded that extension of dissection to include level IV did not offer an advantage for prevention of neck recurrences and level I-III dissection should be the preferred surgical procedure for management of clinically N0 oral cavity cancer (Bajwa, 2011). In the light of the current literature, the management of level IV is not clear in clinically N0 oral cavity cancer; further

Studies have shown that metastases to level IIB from oral cavity cancers are rare, occuring at a mean rate of 6% (Paleri, 2008, Lea, 2010). It has been demonstrated that isolated level IIB metastases from oral cavity cancers are exteremely rare (Lea, 2010). But, when other levels, especially level IIA, contain occult metastases, level IIB metastases may occur in up to 22% of the patients (Elsheikh, 2005, Lea, 2010). Interestingly, level IIB metastases are almost

and recurrence rates in treatment of clinically N0 oral cavity cancer.

level IIB is still debatable.

prospective and multi-center studies are needed.

oropharyngeal cancers. It was also noted that retropharyngeal lymph nodes needed to be addressed for hypopharyngeal cancers. The committee's recommendation for cancer of the midline structures of the anterior lower neck, such as thyroid cancer, advanced glottic and subglottic larynx cancer, advanced piriform sinus cancer, and cervical esophageal/tracheal cancer, was SND (VI), which was formerly called central neck dissection, with or without dissection of other levels. The recommendation for cutaneous malignancies was tailoring the extent of dissection according to the location of the primary tumor.

Recently, the members of International Head and Neck Scientific Group proposed a new classification for neck dissection (Ferlito, 2011). According to this new classification, ND refers to neck dissection and the removed structures and neck levels are depicted in brackets. For example ND (I-V, SCM, IJV, CN XI) is radical neck dissection, ND (II-IV) is lateral neck dissection. The best advantage of this classification is that any modification of neck dissection can be depicted. For example removal of a non-lymphatic structure during a selective neck dissection can be depicted with this classification, which was not possible with previous classifications.

In the last twenty years, it has been recognized that even after selective neck dissections, patients suffer from some degree of morbidity, such as shoulder dysfunction and chylous fistula. Recently, neck dissections more limited than classical selective neck dissections have been introduced and been advocated by many authors to further reduce the morbidity of neck dissections.

#### **2. Extent of surgical removal for selective neck dissection**

The extent of neck dissection is a major debate for the last years because limiting the dissection may help to reduce morbidity, avoid complications and reduce operative time, but this has to be done without reducing the efficacy of neck dissection. For clinically N0 or N1 head and neck cancers of various primary sites, radical neck dissection is considered as an overtreatment, because the three functionally important non-lymphatic tissues that are removed during radical neck dissection, the internal jugular vein, spinal accessory nerve and sternocleidomastoid muscle, are rarely involved in the early stages of the neck disease. Furthermore, in N0 and some N1 head and neck cancers, a modified radical neck dissection is also considered unnecessary, because each head and neck site has a well-known lymphatic drainage pathway and metastases outside these pathways are very rare. Thus, only the lymph node levels that are at the highest risk for metastasis are removed and the other levels are left undissected in order to decrease operative morbidity. Today, efforts to improve the functional results of neck dissection are continuing and a new concept of more limited neck dissection is emerging.

#### **2.1 Selective neck dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck 2.1.1 Selective neck dissection for oral cavity cancer**

The management of oral cavity cancer with clinically N0 neck varies considerably. It has been clearly demonstrated that occult metastases may occur in up to 20 – 44% (Po Wing Yuen, 2002; Fakih, 1989; Jones, 1992; Kligerman, 1994; Sheahan, 2003; Spiro, 1986; Woolgar, 1999; Ross, 2004; Sparano, 2004) of these patients. This finding supports the need for an elective neck dissection but there are still surgeons who prefer the observation policy reserving neck dissection for regional recurrence. In a recent article, Fasunla et al (Fasunla, 2011) reported the results of a meta-analysis comparing elective neck dissection versus

oropharyngeal cancers. It was also noted that retropharyngeal lymph nodes needed to be addressed for hypopharyngeal cancers. The committee's recommendation for cancer of the midline structures of the anterior lower neck, such as thyroid cancer, advanced glottic and subglottic larynx cancer, advanced piriform sinus cancer, and cervical esophageal/tracheal cancer, was SND (VI), which was formerly called central neck dissection, with or without dissection of other levels. The recommendation for cutaneous malignancies was tailoring the

Recently, the members of International Head and Neck Scientific Group proposed a new classification for neck dissection (Ferlito, 2011). According to this new classification, ND refers to neck dissection and the removed structures and neck levels are depicted in brackets. For example ND (I-V, SCM, IJV, CN XI) is radical neck dissection, ND (II-IV) is lateral neck dissection. The best advantage of this classification is that any modification of neck dissection can be depicted. For example removal of a non-lymphatic structure during a selective neck dissection can be depicted with this classification, which was not possible

In the last twenty years, it has been recognized that even after selective neck dissections, patients suffer from some degree of morbidity, such as shoulder dysfunction and chylous fistula. Recently, neck dissections more limited than classical selective neck dissections have been introduced and been advocated by many authors to further reduce the morbidity of

The extent of neck dissection is a major debate for the last years because limiting the dissection may help to reduce morbidity, avoid complications and reduce operative time, but this has to be done without reducing the efficacy of neck dissection. For clinically N0 or N1 head and neck cancers of various primary sites, radical neck dissection is considered as an overtreatment, because the three functionally important non-lymphatic tissues that are removed during radical neck dissection, the internal jugular vein, spinal accessory nerve and sternocleidomastoid muscle, are rarely involved in the early stages of the neck disease. Furthermore, in N0 and some N1 head and neck cancers, a modified radical neck dissection is also considered unnecessary, because each head and neck site has a well-known lymphatic drainage pathway and metastases outside these pathways are very rare. Thus, only the lymph node levels that are at the highest risk for metastasis are removed and the other levels are left undissected in order to decrease operative morbidity. Today, efforts to improve the functional results of neck dissection are continuing and a new concept of more

**2.1 Selective neck dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck** 

The management of oral cavity cancer with clinically N0 neck varies considerably. It has been clearly demonstrated that occult metastases may occur in up to 20 – 44% (Po Wing Yuen, 2002; Fakih, 1989; Jones, 1992; Kligerman, 1994; Sheahan, 2003; Spiro, 1986; Woolgar, 1999; Ross, 2004; Sparano, 2004) of these patients. This finding supports the need for an elective neck dissection but there are still surgeons who prefer the observation policy reserving neck dissection for regional recurrence. In a recent article, Fasunla et al (Fasunla, 2011) reported the results of a meta-analysis comparing elective neck dissection versus

extent of dissection according to the location of the primary tumor.

**2. Extent of surgical removal for selective neck dissection** 

with previous classifications.

limited neck dissection is emerging.

**2.1.1 Selective neck dissection for oral cavity cancer** 

neck dissections.

observation in clinically N0 oral cavity cancer. They have found that elective neck dissection reduced the rate of disease-specific death. Obviously, elective neck dissection offers a better outcome in terms of survival, but results in unnecessary morbidity in patients who do not have occult metastases. Thus we need to identify the patients who are more likely to have occult metastases and need elective neck dissection. Studies aiming to identify the rate of occult metastases in relation to various risk factors have shown that tumor thickness (depth of tumor invasion) is a very important factor. Though the tumor thickness measurement methods or tumor-thickness cut-off levels vary considerably among studies, uniformly all studies reported that tumors with a thickness of more than a certain level (ranges from 2 to 10 mm, in most studies 4 or 5 mm) are more likely to develop occult metastases (Pentenero, 2005). According to the author of this chapter's experience, almost all patients present with tumors thicker than 4 or 5 mm, thus almost all patients require elective neck dissection.

Though there is general agreement on elective management of the neck, debate continues on the extent of surgery. Many studies have shown that comprehensive (i.e. level I-V) neck dissections result in unnecessary overtreatment. In a prospective multi-institutional study from Brazil (Brazilian Head and Neck Cancer Study Group, 1998), it has been shown that both modified radical and supraomohyoid neck dissections can offer comparable survival and recurrence rates in treatment of clinically N0 oral cavity cancer.

An ideal neck dissection for clinically N0 neck should remove all the lymph node groups, which potentially harbor occult metastases while preserving the non-lymphatic structures along with the lymph node groups that are unlikely to contain occult metastases. It has been demonstrated that level V is rarely involved in oral cavity cancers (Dias, 2006). Furthermore, these rare metastases to level V occur only when other levels are involved and isolated metastasis to level V never happens (Dias, 2006). It has been well-known that levels I,II and III are the most frequently involved levels in oral cavity cancers and removal of these lymph node groups through a level I-III neck dissection (supraomohyoid neck dissection) has been the standard treatment of clinically N0 oral cavity cancer. However, extension of level I-III neck dissection to include level IV (extended supraomohyoid neck dissection) or removal of level IIB is still debatable.

The significance of level IV metastases without involvement of other levels (i.e. skip metastases) is yet to be known. Some authors have demonstrated that rate level IV metastases are high enough to warrant dissection of this level, with a metastasis rate of 15% (De Zinis, 2006, Byers, 1997). Also, Woolgar (Woolgar, 2006) demonstrated that an important proportion of neck recurrences occurred because of skip metastases to levels III or IV, which is a finding that supports extended supraomohyoid neck dissection for prevention of neck recurrences. On the other hand, there are various reports that demonstrate a low incidence of metastases in level IV (Mishra, 2010, Bajwa 2011). These authors have concluded that extension of dissection to include level IV did not offer an advantage for prevention of neck recurrences and level I-III dissection should be the preferred surgical procedure for management of clinically N0 oral cavity cancer (Bajwa, 2011). In the light of the current literature, the management of level IV is not clear in clinically N0 oral cavity cancer; further prospective and multi-center studies are needed.

Studies have shown that metastases to level IIB from oral cavity cancers are rare, occuring at a mean rate of 6% (Paleri, 2008, Lea, 2010). It has been demonstrated that isolated level IIB metastases from oral cavity cancers are exteremely rare (Lea, 2010). But, when other levels, especially level IIA, contain occult metastases, level IIB metastases may occur in up to 22% of the patients (Elsheikh, 2005, Lea, 2010). Interestingly, level IIB metastases are almost

Current Concept of Selective Nek Dissection 153

were always associated with sublevel IIA metastases. Rinaldo et al (Rinaldo, 2006) reviewed the results of these studies and concluded that dissection of sublevel IIB is not indicated in patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer. The authors have concluded that spinal accessory nerve dysfunction can be minimized without reduction in the oncological safety of the neck dissection by this way. After oncological safety of level IIB preserving selective neck dissection for clinically N0 laryngeal cancer has been demonstrated, a prospective study to analyze the functional outcome of this approach was performed in the author of this chapter's department (Celik, 2009). According to the results of this study, none of the 30 patients who underwent sublevel IIB preserving selective neck dissections for clinically N0

The necessity of dissection of level IV in patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer has been questioned recently. Dissection of level IV is not without complications, chylous fistula and phrenic nerve injury may occur. In a previous study by the author of this chapter revealed no metastasis in level IV of 113 neck dissection specimens collected from 71 patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer (Coskun, 2004). Elsheikh et al performed a prospective study and evaluated metastasis by pathological and molecular analysis is 31 patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer. The authors found only one metastasis in level IV (3,2%) in a patient with a T3N0 transglottic cancer (Elsheikh, 2006). The studies regarding metastases to level IV in patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer were later reviewed by Elsheikh et al (Elsheikh, 2006) and the authors have concluded that level IV metastases are rare in clinically N0 laryngeal cancer. But the authors have stressed that the larynx is divided into three compartments, which have different lymphatic drainage pathways and the extent of dissection should be individualized according to the location of the primary tumor. The final conclusion was that dissection of level IV might not be indicated in patients with glottic or supraglottic tumors but transglottic or subglottic tumors might well require

Based on the observations from prospective studies regarding level IIB and level IV metastases in patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer, Ferlito et al (Ferlito, 2008) suggested level IIA-III dissection in patients with glottic and supraglottic cancers with

Recently, Medina et al (Medina, 2011) performed a comprehensive review about central compartment dissection in laryngeal cancer. The authors have found evidence that level VI metastases were frequent in patients with primary subglottic carcinomas, advanced glottic and advanced supraglottic carcinomas and recommended elective treatment of level VI in these patients. In such patients, selective neck dissection should be extended to include

In summary, carcinomas arising from different compartments of the larynx have different patterns of lymph node metastasis. Current literature supports level IIA, III dissection is early supraglottic and glottic cancers. Level IV dissection is required in transglottic, primary subglottic cancers and glottic cancers with subglottic extension. Dissection should be extended to include level VI in patients with primary subglottic carcinomas, advanced

Elective treatment of the neck in patients with oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer is not as clear as oral cavity or larynx. First of all, oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers are rare, as compared to oral cavity or laryngeal cancers and there is less data in the

**2.1.3 Selective neck dissection for oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer** 

clinically N0 neck. This approach appears to be the current treatment of choice.

laryngeal cancer developed shoulder syndrome in the post-operative period.

level IV dissection.

level VI.

glottic and advanced supraglottic carcinomas.

always seen in patients with tongue cancer, however other oral cavity primary sites only rarely give rise to level IIB metastases (Elsheikh, 2005, Lea, 2010). When the lesion is located in the retromolar trigone with extension to the anterior pillar, level IIB should be dissected (Ayad, 2009). Although the current literature demonstrates that level IIB metastases from oral cavity cancers are rare, there is not enough evidence to support preservation of level IIB. Prospective, multi-center studies utilizing standardized surgical dissection and specimen processing techniques are required.

Razfar et al (Razfar, 2009), have shown that submandibular gland is rarely involved in early stage (stage I-II) oral cavity cancers and the gland can be preserved during selective neck dissections. It is true that the submandibular gland is not a lymphatic tissue and unless it is directly invaded by the disease, it does not contain malignant disease. However, there are many lymph nodes in the close vicinity of the gland, which are the first echelon lymph nodes of oral cavity. Thus, one should be very carefully remove all the level I lymph nodes while preserving the gland. The gland should not be preserved if the arterial or venous circulation of the gland is damaged or when post-operative radiotherapy is likely.

#### **2.1.2 Selective neck dissection for Laryngeal cancer**

In the intrauterine life, glottis and subglottic larynx is derived from tracheobronchial bud, which develops from the sixth branchial arch and is formed by the union of lateral furrows on each side of the tracheobronchial bud. Supraglottic larynx is derived from buccopharyngeal bud, which develops from third and fourth branchial arches without a midline union. Blood and lymph vessels develop along with these compartments. So, supraglottic and glottic-sublottic compartments have different lymphatic drainage pathways. Supraglottic larynx drains bilaterally into the upper and middle jugular lymph nodes, whereas glottic and subglottic regions drain into lower jugular, prelaryngeal and pretracheal lymph nodes. Supraglottic larynx has a rich lymphatic network and metastasis can occur even in the early stages of cancer, however vocal folds have sparse lymphatic channels, so metastases from early glottic lesions are rare (Armstrong, 1995). This basic knowledge provides a basis for planning of neck dissection in relation to the primary tumor. Lateral neck dissection (SND II–IV) has been used widely in the past twenty years for management of the neck in clinically N0 laryngeal cancer because it has been demonstrated that metastases of laryngeal cancer usually occurs in these levels and levels I and V are rarely involved (Robbins, 2002, Kowalski, 1995, Jones, 1994, Ferlito, 2001). SND II–IV is very effective in treating occult metastases and in a previous study from the author of this chapter's department, it has been demonstrated that a neck recurrence rate as low as 1.7% can be achieved after SND II–IV (Erisen, 2001).

Although SND provides excellent oncological results, functional outcome after SND II-IV is not as good as expected. A prospective study from the author of this chapter's department has demonstrated that there is dysfunction of the spinal accessory nerve after SND (Erisen, 2004). Koybasioglu et al (Koybasioglu, 2000) have also shown that spinal accessory nerve function is impaired after SND. The most possible reason of dysfunction is retraction of the spinal accessory nerve during clearance of sublevel IIB. Numerous studies have shown that the incidence of metastasis in sublevel IIB is very low. In the prospective studies, including one study by the author of this chapter, analyzing the rate of sublevel IIB metastasis in patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer, rate of metastasis ranged between 0% and 3,2% (Koybasioglu, 2002, Aydogan, 2004, Coskun, 2004, Lim, 2006, Elsheikh, 2006, Paleri, 2008). In these studies, there was no isolated sublevel IIB metastasis and metastases in sublevel IIB

always seen in patients with tongue cancer, however other oral cavity primary sites only rarely give rise to level IIB metastases (Elsheikh, 2005, Lea, 2010). When the lesion is located in the retromolar trigone with extension to the anterior pillar, level IIB should be dissected (Ayad, 2009). Although the current literature demonstrates that level IIB metastases from oral cavity cancers are rare, there is not enough evidence to support preservation of level IIB. Prospective, multi-center studies utilizing standardized surgical dissection and

Razfar et al (Razfar, 2009), have shown that submandibular gland is rarely involved in early stage (stage I-II) oral cavity cancers and the gland can be preserved during selective neck dissections. It is true that the submandibular gland is not a lymphatic tissue and unless it is directly invaded by the disease, it does not contain malignant disease. However, there are many lymph nodes in the close vicinity of the gland, which are the first echelon lymph nodes of oral cavity. Thus, one should be very carefully remove all the level I lymph nodes while preserving the gland. The gland should not be preserved if the arterial or venous

In the intrauterine life, glottis and subglottic larynx is derived from tracheobronchial bud, which develops from the sixth branchial arch and is formed by the union of lateral furrows on each side of the tracheobronchial bud. Supraglottic larynx is derived from buccopharyngeal bud, which develops from third and fourth branchial arches without a midline union. Blood and lymph vessels develop along with these compartments. So, supraglottic and glottic-sublottic compartments have different lymphatic drainage pathways. Supraglottic larynx drains bilaterally into the upper and middle jugular lymph nodes, whereas glottic and subglottic regions drain into lower jugular, prelaryngeal and pretracheal lymph nodes. Supraglottic larynx has a rich lymphatic network and metastasis can occur even in the early stages of cancer, however vocal folds have sparse lymphatic channels, so metastases from early glottic lesions are rare (Armstrong, 1995). This basic knowledge provides a basis for planning of neck dissection in relation to the primary tumor. Lateral neck dissection (SND II–IV) has been used widely in the past twenty years for management of the neck in clinically N0 laryngeal cancer because it has been demonstrated that metastases of laryngeal cancer usually occurs in these levels and levels I and V are rarely involved (Robbins, 2002, Kowalski, 1995, Jones, 1994, Ferlito, 2001). SND II–IV is very effective in treating occult metastases and in a previous study from the author of this chapter's department, it has been demonstrated that a neck recurrence rate as low as 1.7%

Although SND provides excellent oncological results, functional outcome after SND II-IV is not as good as expected. A prospective study from the author of this chapter's department has demonstrated that there is dysfunction of the spinal accessory nerve after SND (Erisen, 2004). Koybasioglu et al (Koybasioglu, 2000) have also shown that spinal accessory nerve function is impaired after SND. The most possible reason of dysfunction is retraction of the spinal accessory nerve during clearance of sublevel IIB. Numerous studies have shown that the incidence of metastasis in sublevel IIB is very low. In the prospective studies, including one study by the author of this chapter, analyzing the rate of sublevel IIB metastasis in patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer, rate of metastasis ranged between 0% and 3,2% (Koybasioglu, 2002, Aydogan, 2004, Coskun, 2004, Lim, 2006, Elsheikh, 2006, Paleri, 2008). In these studies, there was no isolated sublevel IIB metastasis and metastases in sublevel IIB

circulation of the gland is damaged or when post-operative radiotherapy is likely.

specimen processing techniques are required.

**2.1.2 Selective neck dissection for Laryngeal cancer** 

can be achieved after SND II–IV (Erisen, 2001).

were always associated with sublevel IIA metastases. Rinaldo et al (Rinaldo, 2006) reviewed the results of these studies and concluded that dissection of sublevel IIB is not indicated in patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer. The authors have concluded that spinal accessory nerve dysfunction can be minimized without reduction in the oncological safety of the neck dissection by this way. After oncological safety of level IIB preserving selective neck dissection for clinically N0 laryngeal cancer has been demonstrated, a prospective study to analyze the functional outcome of this approach was performed in the author of this chapter's department (Celik, 2009). According to the results of this study, none of the 30 patients who underwent sublevel IIB preserving selective neck dissections for clinically N0 laryngeal cancer developed shoulder syndrome in the post-operative period.

The necessity of dissection of level IV in patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer has been questioned recently. Dissection of level IV is not without complications, chylous fistula and phrenic nerve injury may occur. In a previous study by the author of this chapter revealed no metastasis in level IV of 113 neck dissection specimens collected from 71 patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer (Coskun, 2004). Elsheikh et al performed a prospective study and evaluated metastasis by pathological and molecular analysis is 31 patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer. The authors found only one metastasis in level IV (3,2%) in a patient with a T3N0 transglottic cancer (Elsheikh, 2006). The studies regarding metastases to level IV in patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer were later reviewed by Elsheikh et al (Elsheikh, 2006) and the authors have concluded that level IV metastases are rare in clinically N0 laryngeal cancer. But the authors have stressed that the larynx is divided into three compartments, which have different lymphatic drainage pathways and the extent of dissection should be individualized according to the location of the primary tumor. The final conclusion was that dissection of level IV might not be indicated in patients with glottic or supraglottic tumors but transglottic or subglottic tumors might well require level IV dissection.

Based on the observations from prospective studies regarding level IIB and level IV metastases in patients with clinically N0 laryngeal cancer, Ferlito et al (Ferlito, 2008) suggested level IIA-III dissection in patients with glottic and supraglottic cancers with clinically N0 neck. This approach appears to be the current treatment of choice.

Recently, Medina et al (Medina, 2011) performed a comprehensive review about central compartment dissection in laryngeal cancer. The authors have found evidence that level VI metastases were frequent in patients with primary subglottic carcinomas, advanced glottic and advanced supraglottic carcinomas and recommended elective treatment of level VI in these patients. In such patients, selective neck dissection should be extended to include level VI.

In summary, carcinomas arising from different compartments of the larynx have different patterns of lymph node metastasis. Current literature supports level IIA, III dissection is early supraglottic and glottic cancers. Level IV dissection is required in transglottic, primary subglottic cancers and glottic cancers with subglottic extension. Dissection should be extended to include level VI in patients with primary subglottic carcinomas, advanced glottic and advanced supraglottic carcinomas.

#### **2.1.3 Selective neck dissection for oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer**

Elective treatment of the neck in patients with oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer is not as clear as oral cavity or larynx. First of all, oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers are rare, as compared to oral cavity or laryngeal cancers and there is less data in the

Current Concept of Selective Nek Dissection 155

Ebrahimi et al (Ebrahimi, 2010) analysed the distribution of lymph node metastases in 295 neck dissection specimens of 282 patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. According to the distribution of metastases, they concluded that selective neck dissection including level I–III for facial primaries, level II–III for anterior scalp and external ear primaries, and levels II–V for posterior scalp and neck primaries would be

**2.2 Selective neck dissection for malignant tumors of the head and neck other than** 

Management of clinically N0 neck in patients with malignant salivary gland tumors is controversial. Because of the relative rarity of these tumors and the high variability in clinical behavior of different histopathological tumor types, which are very high in number, it is difficult to draw conclusions. Armstrong et al (Armstrong, 1992) found occult metastases in 34 of the 90 (38%) of the patients with clinically N0 salivary gland cancer who underwent elective neck dissection. Some authors (Armstrong 1992, Spiro 1986, Yu 1987) have found evidence that the risk of metastasis is related to the site of the primary tumor, with submandibular gland having the highest risk for metastasis followed by parotid and minor salivary gland tumors. Some histopathological types including undifferentiated carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenocarcinoma NOS, carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, and salivary duct carcinoma are also associated with a higher incidence of occult metastasis (Armstrong 1992, Yu 1987, Bhattacharya 2002, Regis De Brito Santos 2001, Ferlito 2001). Armstrong et al (Armstrong, 1992) found that high-grade tumors had a high risk of occult metastases (49%) compared to low grade or intermediate tumors (7%). Recently, experience of a single institution from Japan about elective neck dissection in 77 patients with carcinoma of the parotid gland has been reported (Kawata, 2010). Lymph node metastases were found in 61,3% and 22,9% of the patients with high-grade and intermediate-grade tumors, respectively. There was no metastasis from low-grade tumors. 51 patients were initially staged as clinically N0 and 8 of these patients had occult metastases on histopathologic examination (15,7%). The authors had performed modified radical neck dissection for high-grade tumors and selective neck dissection (level I-III and VA) for other tumors, in this group of 51 patients with clinically negative neck, but the outcome after treatment was not reported. Of note, the accuracy of preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology of the parotid tumor was low (46,5% overall), especially in patients with intermediate or low-grade tumors (32,5%). Thus the authors recommended elective neck dissection in every patient with N0 malignant parotid tumor

Based on these observations, it can be concluded that elective neck dissection is indicated in patients with high grade tumors, submandibular gland tumors and tumors of certain histopathologic type with clinically N0 neck. But owing to the low accuracy of preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology, elective neck dissection may well be indicated in every

Extent of elective neck dissection is not clear in patients with clinically N0 salivary gland cancer. For parotid tumors, selective neck dissection of levels I-IV (or I-III plus VA, Kawata, 2010) and for submandibular and sublingual gland tumors dissection of levels I to III is

**2.2.1 Selective neck dissection for malignant salivary gland tumors** 

owing to the low accuracy of pre-operative diagnosis.

patient with clinically N0 malignant salivary gland tumor.

recommended (Armstrong, 1992; Gold, 2005).

appropriate.

**squamous cell carcinoma** 

literature regarding the distribution of occult metastasis of these cancers. Second, in the past few decades, treatment of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers has shifted from surgery to chemoradiation in many centers, reserving surgery for salvage. The reasons for this shift are the high sensitivity of these cancers to chemoradiation and the functional losses associated with surgery. Obviously there are patients who are not good candidates for chemoradiation or whose tumors can be managed with function preserving surgery but an important proportion of these patients receive non-surgical treatments. So, it is difficult to make conclusions about elective management of the clinically N0 neck in patients with oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer.

Oropharyngeal cancers usually drain into level II, III and IV lymph nodes, as well as retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal lymph nodes (Ferlito, 2006). In patients with clinically N0 oropharyngeal cancer level II-IV dissection would be appropriate. Paleri et al (Paleri, 2008) found metastases in level IIB of 5 patients in a group of 96 patients (5,2%) with clinically N0 oropharyngeal cancer. Similarly, Villaret et al (Villaret, 2007) reported that two metastases in level IIB in 32 neck dissection specimens (6%) of patients with oropharyngeal cancer. Lodder et al (Lodder, 2008) found only one metastasis (1%) in level IV in specimens of 92 selective neck dissections for oropharyngeal cancer. These findings reflect that a more limited dissection confined to levels IIA and III may be appropriate, as is the case in oral cavity cancers, but more prospective studies with higher number of patients are required.

Pyriform sinuses drain into the jugulodigastric lymph node and to the midjugular and spinal accessory chains. Inferior portion of the hypopharynx and postcricoid region drain into the paratracheal and paraesophageal nodes and to nodes in the supraclavicular fossa. Posterior hypopharyngeal wall drain into the retropharyngeal nodes and to the midjugular chain (Uppaluri & Sunwoo, 2010). In 1990 Candela et al (Candela, 1990) reported the analysis of neck dissection specimens of 333 patients with oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancers. They found that levels II, III and IV were most frequently involved and isolated skip metastases out of these levels occurred only in one patient (0,3%). The authors have concluded that their data supports selective neck dissection in patients with clinically N0 neck. Weber et al (Weber, 1993) examined paratracheal dissection specimens of patients with larynx, hypopharynx and cervical esophagus cancers and found paratracheal metastases in three of 36 patients (8,2%) with hypopharyngeal primaries. In conclusion, paratracheal lymph node dissection along with levels II, III and IV appears to be the appropriate management in patients with clinically N0 hypopharyngeal cancer.

#### **2.1.4 Selective neck dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of other head and neck primary sites**

There is insufficient data regarding selective neck dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of other head and neck primary sites, such as paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, skin, etc.

The routine management of recurrent or residual neck disease after radiotherapy (or chemoradiation) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma has been radical neck dissection for many years. Recently, Zhang et al (Zhang, 2011) reported their experience with recurrent or residual regional metastases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Patients with residual disease had a better outcome than the patients with recurrent disease. There were 70 patients with residual neck disease and 42 of these patients one single persistent lymph node during the course of the treatment. Though the researchers had performed radical neck dissection in every case, they have concluded that residual disease limited to one single lymph node might be managed with selective neck dissection.

literature regarding the distribution of occult metastasis of these cancers. Second, in the past few decades, treatment of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers has shifted from surgery to chemoradiation in many centers, reserving surgery for salvage. The reasons for this shift are the high sensitivity of these cancers to chemoradiation and the functional losses associated with surgery. Obviously there are patients who are not good candidates for chemoradiation or whose tumors can be managed with function preserving surgery but an important proportion of these patients receive non-surgical treatments. So, it is difficult to make conclusions about elective management of the clinically N0 neck in patients with

Oropharyngeal cancers usually drain into level II, III and IV lymph nodes, as well as retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal lymph nodes (Ferlito, 2006). In patients with clinically N0 oropharyngeal cancer level II-IV dissection would be appropriate. Paleri et al (Paleri, 2008) found metastases in level IIB of 5 patients in a group of 96 patients (5,2%) with clinically N0 oropharyngeal cancer. Similarly, Villaret et al (Villaret, 2007) reported that two metastases in level IIB in 32 neck dissection specimens (6%) of patients with oropharyngeal cancer. Lodder et al (Lodder, 2008) found only one metastasis (1%) in level IV in specimens of 92 selective neck dissections for oropharyngeal cancer. These findings reflect that a more limited dissection confined to levels IIA and III may be appropriate, as is the case in oral cavity cancers, but more prospective studies with higher number of patients are required. Pyriform sinuses drain into the jugulodigastric lymph node and to the midjugular and spinal accessory chains. Inferior portion of the hypopharynx and postcricoid region drain into the paratracheal and paraesophageal nodes and to nodes in the supraclavicular fossa. Posterior hypopharyngeal wall drain into the retropharyngeal nodes and to the midjugular chain (Uppaluri & Sunwoo, 2010). In 1990 Candela et al (Candela, 1990) reported the analysis of neck dissection specimens of 333 patients with oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancers. They found that levels II, III and IV were most frequently involved and isolated skip metastases out of these levels occurred only in one patient (0,3%). The authors have concluded that their data supports selective neck dissection in patients with clinically N0 neck. Weber et al (Weber, 1993) examined paratracheal dissection specimens of patients with larynx, hypopharynx and cervical esophagus cancers and found paratracheal metastases in three of 36 patients (8,2%) with hypopharyngeal primaries. In conclusion, paratracheal lymph node dissection along with levels II, III and IV appears to be the

appropriate management in patients with clinically N0 hypopharyngeal cancer.

**2.1.4 Selective neck dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of other head and neck** 

other head and neck primary sites, such as paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, skin, etc. The routine management of recurrent or residual neck disease after radiotherapy (or chemoradiation) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma has been radical neck dissection for many years. Recently, Zhang et al (Zhang, 2011) reported their experience with recurrent or residual regional metastases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Patients with residual disease had a better outcome than the patients with recurrent disease. There were 70 patients with residual neck disease and 42 of these patients one single persistent lymph node during the course of the treatment. Though the researchers had performed radical neck dissection in every case, they have concluded that residual disease limited to one single lymph node

might be managed with selective neck dissection.

There is insufficient data regarding selective neck dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of

oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer.

**primary sites** 

Ebrahimi et al (Ebrahimi, 2010) analysed the distribution of lymph node metastases in 295 neck dissection specimens of 282 patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. According to the distribution of metastases, they concluded that selective neck dissection including level I–III for facial primaries, level II–III for anterior scalp and external ear primaries, and levels II–V for posterior scalp and neck primaries would be appropriate.

#### **2.2 Selective neck dissection for malignant tumors of the head and neck other than squamous cell carcinoma**

#### **2.2.1 Selective neck dissection for malignant salivary gland tumors**

Management of clinically N0 neck in patients with malignant salivary gland tumors is controversial. Because of the relative rarity of these tumors and the high variability in clinical behavior of different histopathological tumor types, which are very high in number, it is difficult to draw conclusions. Armstrong et al (Armstrong, 1992) found occult metastases in 34 of the 90 (38%) of the patients with clinically N0 salivary gland cancer who underwent elective neck dissection. Some authors (Armstrong 1992, Spiro 1986, Yu 1987) have found evidence that the risk of metastasis is related to the site of the primary tumor, with submandibular gland having the highest risk for metastasis followed by parotid and minor salivary gland tumors. Some histopathological types including undifferentiated carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenocarcinoma NOS, carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, and salivary duct carcinoma are also associated with a higher incidence of occult metastasis (Armstrong 1992, Yu 1987, Bhattacharya 2002, Regis De Brito Santos 2001, Ferlito 2001). Armstrong et al (Armstrong, 1992) found that high-grade tumors had a high risk of occult metastases (49%) compared to low grade or intermediate tumors (7%). Recently, experience of a single institution from Japan about elective neck dissection in 77 patients with carcinoma of the parotid gland has been reported (Kawata, 2010). Lymph node metastases were found in 61,3% and 22,9% of the patients with high-grade and intermediate-grade tumors, respectively. There was no metastasis from low-grade tumors. 51 patients were initially staged as clinically N0 and 8 of these patients had occult metastases on histopathologic examination (15,7%). The authors had performed modified radical neck dissection for high-grade tumors and selective neck dissection (level I-III and VA) for other tumors, in this group of 51 patients with clinically negative neck, but the outcome after treatment was not reported. Of note, the accuracy of preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology of the parotid tumor was low (46,5% overall), especially in patients with intermediate or low-grade tumors (32,5%). Thus the authors recommended elective neck dissection in every patient with N0 malignant parotid tumor owing to the low accuracy of pre-operative diagnosis.

Based on these observations, it can be concluded that elective neck dissection is indicated in patients with high grade tumors, submandibular gland tumors and tumors of certain histopathologic type with clinically N0 neck. But owing to the low accuracy of preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology, elective neck dissection may well be indicated in every patient with clinically N0 malignant salivary gland tumor.

Extent of elective neck dissection is not clear in patients with clinically N0 salivary gland cancer. For parotid tumors, selective neck dissection of levels I-IV (or I-III plus VA, Kawata, 2010) and for submandibular and sublingual gland tumors dissection of levels I to III is recommended (Armstrong, 1992; Gold, 2005).

Current Concept of Selective Nek Dissection 157

recurrences in the operated side of the neck that had undergone selective neck dissection. Kowalski and Carvalho (Kowalski & Carvalho, 2002) retrospectively analyzed radical neck dissection specimens of 164 patients with oral cavity cancer and clinically N1 or N2a neck. They found only one metastasis in level IV (0,6%) and none at level V. They also noted a high false positive rate (57,4% pN0) in N1 patients with the clinically positive node in level I. The authors have concluded that supraomohyoid neck dissection may be used instead of radical neck dissection in patients with clinically N1 neck in level I. More recently Santos et al (Santos, 2006) reported their results of 34 selective neck dissections performed on 28 patients with clinically N+ head and neck cancer. They had four recurrences (11,8%) after selective neck dissection. One of these patients was N1, two were N2b and one was N2c. Three of these patients had T4 tumors and one had T3 tumor. Researchers from University of Pittsburgh (Simental, 2006) performed a retrospective analysis of 65 patients with clinically N+ head and neck cancer who underwent selective neck dissection. There were 8 recurrences (12,3%), four of them occurred outside the field of dissection and four recurrences (6,1%) occurred in the field of dissection. Four recurrences could be managed by salvage surgery with a resultant overall regional control rate of 93,9%. In this series, 21 of the 65 cases (%32) who were staged clinically N+ did not have metastasis on pathological

In a recent study (Dhiwakar, 2010), it has been reported that selective neck dissection can be used to treat clinically positive neck with involvement of non-lymphatic structures, especially if the nodal disease was confined to two or less neck levels. The authors were able to obtain a recurrence rate of 0% for primary treatment cases and 13% for post-radiation cases. Though these results are very encouraging, this is the only study reported in this

It should be noted the two of the studies mentioned above (Santos, 2006; Simental, 2006) reported relatively high rates of regional failure and reflect undertreatment in these patients. Obviously an important proportion of patients with clinically N+ neck do not have metastasis on histopathological examination and any neck treatment would be an overtreatment for these patients, but a balance between overtreatment and undertreatment should be implemented. Based on the observations from the current literature, it appears that selective neck dissection is feasible in some carefully selected patients with clinically positive neck. However, more prospective and primary site-specific studies with larger number of patients are needed to identify which patients with clinically N+ neck are good

**2.4 Selective neck dissection after primary chemo-radiation for head and neck cancer**  Planned radical neck dissection for initially positive neck after completion of primary chemo-radiation, regardless of the initial stage and response of the neck disease was the treatment of choice in the first years of the age of organ preservation. In the following years, there has been a consensus that planned neck dissection in patients who initially present with N1 neck disease is not necessary. However, debate continues about routine performance of planned neck dissection for patients who present initially with bulky (≥N2) neck disease. Recently Ferlito et al (Ferlito, 2010) reviewed the literature to evaluate the necessity of planned neck dissection after complete response to chemo-radiation. The authors have found 24 articles in favour of benefit of planned neck dissection and 26 articles that do not demonstrate an advantage of planned neck dissection. The authors have

specific group of disease and needs to be supported with further studies.

candidates for selective neck dissections.

examination.

#### **2.2.2 Selective neck dissection for thyroid cancer**

Thyroid cancers are a heterogeneous group with different clinical behaviour but management of the neck is important for almost all types of thyroid cancer. The American Head and Neck Society and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery have recommended Central (level VI) neck dissection with or without dissection of other levels for thyroid cancer (Robbins, 2002). However, there is still debate on the extent of the nodal dissection for optimal outcome.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma, which is one of the most common cancers of the human body, is the most common thyroid malignancy. Though the level VI lymph nodes are the first echelon nodes for papillary carcinoma, lateral metastases are also very common. Occult lateral metastasis rate was 55% in a study (Lim, 2011) and lateral metastases were associated with primary tumor size and the number of metastatic central lymph nodes. Recently, Patron et al. (Patron, 2011) reported a much lower rate of lateral metastases (18,6%) in a group of 131 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. In this series, metastasis rate was 2,9% in level IIB and 0% in level VA, thus the authors recommended dissection of levels IIA, III, IV and VB for papillary thyroid carcinoma with clinically negative neck. In contrast, Vayisoglu et al (Vayisoglu, 2010) found metastases in 22 of 47 neck dissections (46,8%) and incidence of the lateral metastases was much higher. Levels II, III, IV and V were involved in 12.7%, 25.5%, 38.2%, and 8.5% of the specimens respectively. Level IIB metastases were also very rare in this study (one of 47 neck dissections, 2,1%) and the authors have concluded that level IIB might be left undissected in selective neck dissections for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Medullary carcinoma is an aggressive form of thyroid cancer. Rate of lymph node metastasis is much higher in medullary carcinoma. Oskam et al (Oskam, 2008) found lymph node metastases in 91% of the ipsilateral neck dissection specimens, 91% of the paratracheal dissections and 63% of the contralateral dissections. There were metastases in five of the twelve elective neck dissection specimens. High number of positive lymph nodes was associated with a poor prognosis. Dissection of levels II-V accompanied with central dissection is recommended in every patient with medullary carcinoma.

#### **2.2.3 Selective neck dissection for head and neck melanoma**

Malignant melanoma is another rare tumor of the head and neck region with a very poor prognosis. Clinically apparent metastases of melanoma are treated with comprehensive neck dissection, however there is no consensus on how to treat the occult metastases. There are reports about sentinel node studies but the extent of dissection is not clear. Current literature supports comprehensive neck dissections rather than selective dissections, in order to achieve better regional control and adjuvant radiotherapy for patients with two or more involved lymph nodes (Hamming-Vrieze, 2009).

#### **2.3 Selective neck dissection for clinically positive neck**

The widely accepted management of clinically positive neck has been radical or modified neck dissection for several decades. Recently, some investigators have found strong evidence that selective neck dissection may be used for carefully selected patients with clinically positive necks. Andersen et al (Andersen, 2002) reported the results of 129 selective neck dissections in 106 patients with previously untreated head and neck cancer and clinically positive neck. They obtained a regional control rate of 94,3% with six

Thyroid cancers are a heterogeneous group with different clinical behaviour but management of the neck is important for almost all types of thyroid cancer. The American Head and Neck Society and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery have recommended Central (level VI) neck dissection with or without dissection of other levels for thyroid cancer (Robbins, 2002). However, there is still debate on the extent of the

Papillary thyroid carcinoma, which is one of the most common cancers of the human body, is the most common thyroid malignancy. Though the level VI lymph nodes are the first echelon nodes for papillary carcinoma, lateral metastases are also very common. Occult lateral metastasis rate was 55% in a study (Lim, 2011) and lateral metastases were associated with primary tumor size and the number of metastatic central lymph nodes. Recently, Patron et al. (Patron, 2011) reported a much lower rate of lateral metastases (18,6%) in a group of 131 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. In this series, metastasis rate was 2,9% in level IIB and 0% in level VA, thus the authors recommended dissection of levels IIA, III, IV and VB for papillary thyroid carcinoma with clinically negative neck. In contrast, Vayisoglu et al (Vayisoglu, 2010) found metastases in 22 of 47 neck dissections (46,8%) and incidence of the lateral metastases was much higher. Levels II, III, IV and V were involved in 12.7%, 25.5%, 38.2%, and 8.5% of the specimens respectively. Level IIB metastases were also very rare in this study (one of 47 neck dissections, 2,1%) and the authors have concluded that level IIB might be left undissected in selective neck dissections for papillary thyroid

Medullary carcinoma is an aggressive form of thyroid cancer. Rate of lymph node metastasis is much higher in medullary carcinoma. Oskam et al (Oskam, 2008) found lymph node metastases in 91% of the ipsilateral neck dissection specimens, 91% of the paratracheal dissections and 63% of the contralateral dissections. There were metastases in five of the twelve elective neck dissection specimens. High number of positive lymph nodes was associated with a poor prognosis. Dissection of levels II-V accompanied with central

Malignant melanoma is another rare tumor of the head and neck region with a very poor prognosis. Clinically apparent metastases of melanoma are treated with comprehensive neck dissection, however there is no consensus on how to treat the occult metastases. There are reports about sentinel node studies but the extent of dissection is not clear. Current literature supports comprehensive neck dissections rather than selective dissections, in order to achieve better regional control and adjuvant radiotherapy for patients with two or

The widely accepted management of clinically positive neck has been radical or modified neck dissection for several decades. Recently, some investigators have found strong evidence that selective neck dissection may be used for carefully selected patients with clinically positive necks. Andersen et al (Andersen, 2002) reported the results of 129 selective neck dissections in 106 patients with previously untreated head and neck cancer and clinically positive neck. They obtained a regional control rate of 94,3% with six

dissection is recommended in every patient with medullary carcinoma.

**2.2.3 Selective neck dissection for head and neck melanoma** 

more involved lymph nodes (Hamming-Vrieze, 2009).

**2.3 Selective neck dissection for clinically positive neck** 

**2.2.2 Selective neck dissection for thyroid cancer** 

nodal dissection for optimal outcome.

carcinoma.

recurrences in the operated side of the neck that had undergone selective neck dissection. Kowalski and Carvalho (Kowalski & Carvalho, 2002) retrospectively analyzed radical neck dissection specimens of 164 patients with oral cavity cancer and clinically N1 or N2a neck. They found only one metastasis in level IV (0,6%) and none at level V. They also noted a high false positive rate (57,4% pN0) in N1 patients with the clinically positive node in level I. The authors have concluded that supraomohyoid neck dissection may be used instead of radical neck dissection in patients with clinically N1 neck in level I. More recently Santos et al (Santos, 2006) reported their results of 34 selective neck dissections performed on 28 patients with clinically N+ head and neck cancer. They had four recurrences (11,8%) after selective neck dissection. One of these patients was N1, two were N2b and one was N2c. Three of these patients had T4 tumors and one had T3 tumor. Researchers from University of Pittsburgh (Simental, 2006) performed a retrospective analysis of 65 patients with clinically N+ head and neck cancer who underwent selective neck dissection. There were 8 recurrences (12,3%), four of them occurred outside the field of dissection and four recurrences (6,1%) occurred in the field of dissection. Four recurrences could be managed by salvage surgery with a resultant overall regional control rate of 93,9%. In this series, 21 of the 65 cases (%32) who were staged clinically N+ did not have metastasis on pathological examination.

In a recent study (Dhiwakar, 2010), it has been reported that selective neck dissection can be used to treat clinically positive neck with involvement of non-lymphatic structures, especially if the nodal disease was confined to two or less neck levels. The authors were able to obtain a recurrence rate of 0% for primary treatment cases and 13% for post-radiation cases. Though these results are very encouraging, this is the only study reported in this specific group of disease and needs to be supported with further studies.

It should be noted the two of the studies mentioned above (Santos, 2006; Simental, 2006) reported relatively high rates of regional failure and reflect undertreatment in these patients. Obviously an important proportion of patients with clinically N+ neck do not have metastasis on histopathological examination and any neck treatment would be an overtreatment for these patients, but a balance between overtreatment and undertreatment should be implemented. Based on the observations from the current literature, it appears that selective neck dissection is feasible in some carefully selected patients with clinically positive neck. However, more prospective and primary site-specific studies with larger number of patients are needed to identify which patients with clinically N+ neck are good candidates for selective neck dissections.

#### **2.4 Selective neck dissection after primary chemo-radiation for head and neck cancer**

Planned radical neck dissection for initially positive neck after completion of primary chemo-radiation, regardless of the initial stage and response of the neck disease was the treatment of choice in the first years of the age of organ preservation. In the following years, there has been a consensus that planned neck dissection in patients who initially present with N1 neck disease is not necessary. However, debate continues about routine performance of planned neck dissection for patients who present initially with bulky (≥N2) neck disease. Recently Ferlito et al (Ferlito, 2010) reviewed the literature to evaluate the necessity of planned neck dissection after complete response to chemo-radiation. The authors have found 24 articles in favour of benefit of planned neck dissection and 26 articles that do not demonstrate an advantage of planned neck dissection. The authors have

Current Concept of Selective Nek Dissection 159

dissection during clearance of levels II, III and if necessary level IV along the anterior and medial surface of the SCM. As the fibro-fatty tissue is peeled off the SCM, the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) comes into view in the junction of upper and middle thirds of the SCM. For easier dissection at level II, the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia is divided at the inferior border of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle and the muscle is retracted medially and superiorly for a good exposure. Then the fibro-fatty tissue overlying the spinal accessory nerve is dissected off the nerve up to the skull base. This is done by opening up the tissues with a fine tipped haemostat and cutting the tissues with a scalpel. After the nerve is traced up to the skull base, all the fibro-fatty tissue should be cut with a scalpel down to the fascia of deep neck muscles along the course of the nerve. Very rarely, internal carotid artery may be tortuous at this level mimicking a lymph node and causing a big danger. The fibro-fatty tissue posterior to the SAN is level IIB and after freeing from the surrounding structures, this tissue is passed under the SAN and brought into level IIA. However, this manoeuvre requires traction of the SAN, which may result in dysfunction of the nerve. It is better to remove level IIB separately and continue with dissection of level IIA without traction of the SAN. Dissection is continued along the posterior border of SCM to the inferior extent of dissection, either to clavicle or the tendon of the omohyoid muscle. Traction of the SCM should be minimized. Pulling the fibro-fatty tissue medially with haemostats placed in multiple points and retracting the SCM laterally with gauze hold by the primary surgeon's left hand can achieve a good exposure. During this dissection, branches of the cervical plexus are encountered and protected. The first three roots give fibers to the spinal accessory nerve and cutting these roots cause dysfunction of the nerve. Also preservation of the cervical roots prevents numbness of the neck skin and may help to

After the dissection along the posterior border of the SCM is completed, the fibro-fatty is grasped from several points with haemostats and pulled in a lateral and anterior direction by an assistant. In an "en bloc" fashion, all the fibro-fatty tissue is dissected over the branches of the cervical plexus in an anterior direction using a scalpel. Sharp dissection continues over the carotid sheath but care is taken not to injure the carotid artery, the vagus nerve and the internal jugular vein. The internal jugular vein is very fragile and must never be hold with an instrument with sharp teeth. The vein has many branches along its course and all these branches need to be clamped and suture ligated. Also every effort should be made to visualize and protect the lymphatic duct in level IV, which is constantly present on the left side and frequently present on the right side of the neck. The fibro-fatty tissue lying medial to the carotid sheath is dissected to the lateral border of the strap muscles, which is the medial border

of dissection. Care must be taken to protect the superior laryngeal nerve at this point.

required. All the fibro-fatty tissue down to the mylohyoid muscle must be cleared.

If level I is to be dissected, dissection continues upward. The medial border of the anterior belly of the opposite digastric muscle and the inferior border of the mandible are the borders of level I dissection. The fibro-fatty tissue is grasped with haemostats in several points and cleared over the underlying muscles. In most instances the submandibular gland is removed along with the fibro-fatty tissue. Although the gland is almost never involved with disease and there are authors who recommend preservation of the gland, to assure a complete removal of all submandibular lymph nodes excision of the gland is usually

During the whole dissection, use of mono-polar cautery should be minimized in order to avoid heat damage to the nerves in the surgical field. Bi-polar cautery should be used

reduce shoulder pain.

whenever haemostasis is necessary.

concluded that use of planned neck dissection for patients with a complete response to chemo-radiation cannot be justified.

Nowadays, it has been demonstrated that selective neck dissection is possible in some of these patients. Langerman et al (Langerman, 2009) performed 43 neck dissections on 34 patients after completion chemo-radiotherapy. All patients had N2 or greater disease before treatment and 39 of the 43 neck dissections (91%) performed were selective neck dissections. In this study post-treatment computed tomography was used to determine the extent of neck dissection and was found to be helpful. More recently, Dhiwakar (Dhiwakar, 2011) reported their results of selective neck dissection performed for persistent neck disease following chemoradiation. Sixty-nine selective neck dissections were performed on 62 patients and only one recurrence was observed. Another study supporting selective neck dissection after chemo-radiation was presented by Cannady et al (Cannady, 2010). The authors have demonstrated that SND would remove residual disease in most cases when the dissection would encompass the next distal level with the original levels.

In summary, the current literature does not support planned neck dissection after complete response to chemo-radiation. In the case of persistent neck disease, selective neck dissection is feasible in the majority of the cases.

#### **2.5 Surgical technique of selective neck dissection**

The first step of selective neck dissection is the skin incision. In most instances, neck dissection is performed along with a primary tumor removal and an incision, which allows primary tumor removal and neck dissection is preferred. If the plan is to perform a laryngectomy with bilateral neck dissections a "U" shaped incision is used to create an apron flap. In other instances, the author of this chapter prefers a "MacFee incision". In most instances a single horizontal incision placed at the level of thyroid notch or cricoid cartilage allows removal of all lymph node groups, but occasionally two incisions, one at the level of the hyoid bone and one 2-3 cm above the clavicle, may be necessary. Especially if removal the primary tumor requires a lip split incision, two horizontal incisions are used and the upper incision is combined with the lip split incision. For a unilateral neck dissection the incision extends from a point 3-4 cm posterior to the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle to a point on the 3-4 cm other side of the midline. For bilateral neck dissection, the incision extends 3-4 cm posterior to the SCM on each side. The superior and inferior skin flaps are elevated in a subplatysmal plane to allow exposure of the border of the mandible superiorly and the clavicle inferiorly. If level IV will not be dissected, elevation of the inferior flap down to the level of cricoid cartilage is sufficient. After the skin flaps are elevated, the superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia overlying the submandibular gland is incised at the inferior border of the gland and elevated as a second layer up to the level of the border of the mandible in order to protect the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, which lies within this fascia.

Next, the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia is incised along the anterior border of the SCM. Fascia on the lateral surface of the SCM must be protected, not peeled off. This fascia prevents scar formation and adhesion of the SCM to platysma and overlying skin. Preservation of the fascia may help to reduce post-operative shoulder pain. The external jugular vein may need to be divided and ligated at the level of angle of the mandible but it is better protected whenever possible. The SCM is retracted laterally and posteriorly while the fibro-fatty tissue of the anterior triangle of the neck is retracted medially, allowing an easy

concluded that use of planned neck dissection for patients with a complete response to

Nowadays, it has been demonstrated that selective neck dissection is possible in some of these patients. Langerman et al (Langerman, 2009) performed 43 neck dissections on 34 patients after completion chemo-radiotherapy. All patients had N2 or greater disease before treatment and 39 of the 43 neck dissections (91%) performed were selective neck dissections. In this study post-treatment computed tomography was used to determine the extent of neck dissection and was found to be helpful. More recently, Dhiwakar (Dhiwakar, 2011) reported their results of selective neck dissection performed for persistent neck disease following chemoradiation. Sixty-nine selective neck dissections were performed on 62 patients and only one recurrence was observed. Another study supporting selective neck dissection after chemo-radiation was presented by Cannady et al (Cannady, 2010). The authors have demonstrated that SND would remove residual disease in most cases when

In summary, the current literature does not support planned neck dissection after complete response to chemo-radiation. In the case of persistent neck disease, selective neck dissection

The first step of selective neck dissection is the skin incision. In most instances, neck dissection is performed along with a primary tumor removal and an incision, which allows primary tumor removal and neck dissection is preferred. If the plan is to perform a laryngectomy with bilateral neck dissections a "U" shaped incision is used to create an apron flap. In other instances, the author of this chapter prefers a "MacFee incision". In most instances a single horizontal incision placed at the level of thyroid notch or cricoid cartilage allows removal of all lymph node groups, but occasionally two incisions, one at the level of the hyoid bone and one 2-3 cm above the clavicle, may be necessary. Especially if removal the primary tumor requires a lip split incision, two horizontal incisions are used and the upper incision is combined with the lip split incision. For a unilateral neck dissection the incision extends from a point 3-4 cm posterior to the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle to a point on the 3-4 cm other side of the midline. For bilateral neck dissection, the incision extends 3-4 cm posterior to the SCM on each side. The superior and inferior skin flaps are elevated in a subplatysmal plane to allow exposure of the border of the mandible superiorly and the clavicle inferiorly. If level IV will not be dissected, elevation of the inferior flap down to the level of cricoid cartilage is sufficient. After the skin flaps are elevated, the superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia overlying the submandibular gland is incised at the inferior border of the gland and elevated as a second layer up to the level of the border of the mandible in order to protect the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve,

Next, the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia is incised along the anterior border of the SCM. Fascia on the lateral surface of the SCM must be protected, not peeled off. This fascia prevents scar formation and adhesion of the SCM to platysma and overlying skin. Preservation of the fascia may help to reduce post-operative shoulder pain. The external jugular vein may need to be divided and ligated at the level of angle of the mandible but it is better protected whenever possible. The SCM is retracted laterally and posteriorly while the fibro-fatty tissue of the anterior triangle of the neck is retracted medially, allowing an easy

the dissection would encompass the next distal level with the original levels.

chemo-radiation cannot be justified.

is feasible in the majority of the cases.

which lies within this fascia.

**2.5 Surgical technique of selective neck dissection** 

dissection during clearance of levels II, III and if necessary level IV along the anterior and medial surface of the SCM. As the fibro-fatty tissue is peeled off the SCM, the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) comes into view in the junction of upper and middle thirds of the SCM. For easier dissection at level II, the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia is divided at the inferior border of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle and the muscle is retracted medially and superiorly for a good exposure. Then the fibro-fatty tissue overlying the spinal accessory nerve is dissected off the nerve up to the skull base. This is done by opening up the tissues with a fine tipped haemostat and cutting the tissues with a scalpel. After the nerve is traced up to the skull base, all the fibro-fatty tissue should be cut with a scalpel down to the fascia of deep neck muscles along the course of the nerve. Very rarely, internal carotid artery may be tortuous at this level mimicking a lymph node and causing a big danger. The fibro-fatty tissue posterior to the SAN is level IIB and after freeing from the surrounding structures, this tissue is passed under the SAN and brought into level IIA. However, this manoeuvre requires traction of the SAN, which may result in dysfunction of the nerve. It is better to remove level IIB separately and continue with dissection of level IIA without traction of the SAN. Dissection is continued along the posterior border of SCM to the inferior extent of dissection, either to clavicle or the tendon of the omohyoid muscle. Traction of the SCM should be minimized. Pulling the fibro-fatty tissue medially with haemostats placed in multiple points and retracting the SCM laterally with gauze hold by the primary surgeon's left hand can achieve a good exposure. During this dissection, branches of the cervical plexus are encountered and protected. The first three roots give fibers to the spinal accessory nerve and cutting these roots cause dysfunction of the nerve. Also preservation of the cervical roots prevents numbness of the neck skin and may help to reduce shoulder pain.

After the dissection along the posterior border of the SCM is completed, the fibro-fatty is grasped from several points with haemostats and pulled in a lateral and anterior direction by an assistant. In an "en bloc" fashion, all the fibro-fatty tissue is dissected over the branches of the cervical plexus in an anterior direction using a scalpel. Sharp dissection continues over the carotid sheath but care is taken not to injure the carotid artery, the vagus nerve and the internal jugular vein. The internal jugular vein is very fragile and must never be hold with an instrument with sharp teeth. The vein has many branches along its course and all these branches need to be clamped and suture ligated. Also every effort should be made to visualize and protect the lymphatic duct in level IV, which is constantly present on the left side and frequently present on the right side of the neck. The fibro-fatty tissue lying medial to the carotid sheath is dissected to the lateral border of the strap muscles, which is the medial border of dissection. Care must be taken to protect the superior laryngeal nerve at this point.

If level I is to be dissected, dissection continues upward. The medial border of the anterior belly of the opposite digastric muscle and the inferior border of the mandible are the borders of level I dissection. The fibro-fatty tissue is grasped with haemostats in several points and cleared over the underlying muscles. In most instances the submandibular gland is removed along with the fibro-fatty tissue. Although the gland is almost never involved with disease and there are authors who recommend preservation of the gland, to assure a complete removal of all submandibular lymph nodes excision of the gland is usually required. All the fibro-fatty tissue down to the mylohyoid muscle must be cleared.

During the whole dissection, use of mono-polar cautery should be minimized in order to avoid heat damage to the nerves in the surgical field. Bi-polar cautery should be used whenever haemostasis is necessary.

Current Concept of Selective Nek Dissection 161

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After completion of dissection two vacuum drains, one anterior to the carotid sheath and one posterior to the sheath are placed and secured. Subcutaneous layer and skin is closed in the usual fashion.

#### **3. Conclusion**

Presence of cervical lymph node metastases is one of the most important prognostic factors of head and neck cancer. Since the first introduction for more than 100 years ago, neck dissection has been the main treatment of clinically apparent or occult lymph node metastases. Through decades, the procedure of neck dissection has undergone an evolution. Today, neck dissection limited to only the lymph node levels, which contain or at high risk for metastases, can offer very good regional control rates. Recent studies have clearly demonstrated that level IIB and V can be left undissected in the majority of head and neck cancers. There is also evidence that level IV dissection can be omitted in some patients. These modifications help to avoid complications such as spinal accessory nerve dysfunction or chylous fistula. On the other hand, for some patients, lymph node levels which are not routinely dissected during neck dissection, such as level VI or retropharyngeal lymph nodes need to be addressed to achieve regional control. Head and neck cancer is not a homogenous disease and neck dissection has to be individualized every patient. This requires a thorough knowledge of embryology, anatomy and pattern of lymphatic drainage for every anatomic subsite and clinical behaviour of cancer originating in these subsites.

The very recent classification of neck dissection proposed by Ferlito and colleagues offers a big flexibility and apparently will soon gain worldwide acceptance.

#### **4. Acknowledgment**

I would like to thank to my teachers in Uludag University School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology, Professors Metin Arat, Ilker Tezel, Ibrahim Hizalan, Selcuk Onart and Levent Erisen, for teaching and supporting me since the time I started my residency training in the department.

#### **5. References**


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Presence of cervical lymph node metastases is one of the most important prognostic factors of head and neck cancer. Since the first introduction for more than 100 years ago, neck dissection has been the main treatment of clinically apparent or occult lymph node metastases. Through decades, the procedure of neck dissection has undergone an evolution. Today, neck dissection limited to only the lymph node levels, which contain or at high risk for metastases, can offer very good regional control rates. Recent studies have clearly demonstrated that level IIB and V can be left undissected in the majority of head and neck cancers. There is also evidence that level IV dissection can be omitted in some patients. These modifications help to avoid complications such as spinal accessory nerve dysfunction or chylous fistula. On the other hand, for some patients, lymph node levels which are not routinely dissected during neck dissection, such as level VI or retropharyngeal lymph nodes need to be addressed to achieve regional control. Head and neck cancer is not a homogenous disease and neck dissection has to be individualized every patient. This requires a thorough knowledge of embryology, anatomy and pattern of lymphatic drainage for every anatomic subsite and clinical behaviour of cancer originating in these subsites. The very recent classification of neck dissection proposed by Ferlito and colleagues offers a

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### *Edited by Raja Kummoona*

Neck Dissection - Clinical Application and Recent Advances is a leading book in neck surgery and represents the recent work and experiences of a number of top international scientists. The book covers all techniques of neck dissection and the most recent advances in neck dissection by advocating better access to all techniques of neck dissection; e.g. Robotic surgery (de Venice) system, a technique for detection of lymph node metastasis by ultra sonography and CT scan, and a technique of therapeutic selective neck dissection in multidisciplinary treatment. This book is essential to any surgeon specializing or practicing neck surgery, including Head Neck Surgeons, Maxillofacial Surgeons, ENT Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Craniofacial Surgeons and also to all postgraduate Medical & Dental candidates in the field.

Neck Dissection - Clinical Application and Recent Advances

Neck Dissection

Clinical Application and Recent Advances

*Edited by Raja Kummoona*

Photo by m\_pavlov / iStock