The emerging role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in oral cavity and oropharyngeal carcinomas

Abstract

Management of clinically negative necks (cN0) in oral cavity (OCSCC) and oropharyngeal (OPSCC) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has evolved over time. Historically, the clinically negative neck has been managed with elective neck dissection (END) or observation, but more recently sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has emerged as a technique to detect occult metastases. In this review, we will discuss the role of SLNB in early-stage OCSCC and in the management of OPSCC.