Role of Facio-mandibular Node Dissection in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Pathological node positivity is a critical prognostic factor in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Studies have shown that facial lymph nodes, particularly the mandibular group of facial nodes, may be involved in OSCC and reflect poor disease control and inferior survival.

Facio-mandibular nodal sampling was done as described, and the specimen sent separately from the neck dissection (ND) specimen for histopathological examination.

Forty-five facio-mandibular nodal sampling was done at the time of NDs in 41 patients. The incidence of facio-mandibular node involvement is 7% in OSCC in our series. On analysis, OSCC of retromolar trigone was significantly associated with facio-mandibular node involvement (p value = 0.001) and patients with N3 disease (p value 0.017).

Leaving behind these nodes may significantly affect the prognosis. The data suggest that facio-mandibular should be considered whenever ND is performed in oral cancer patients, especially retromolar trigone subsite and higher nodal stage.