A case of Rouviere lymph nodes metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue successfully treated with concomitant IMRT and cetuximab

Abstract

The lateral retropharyngeal node （LRPN） is located in the posterior pharynx space which surrounds the internal carotid artery and prevertebral muscle. LRPN is commonly referred to as the Rouviere lymph nodes. LRPN metastasis often occurs from pharyngeal cancer, but seldom occurs from oral cancer, extremely from tongue. The prognosis of the cancer with LRPN metastasis is poor because there is no appropriate treatment for them. We experienced a case of Rouviere lymph nodes metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue successfully treated with concomitant Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy （IMRT） and cetuximab. There was no recurrence during 3-years and 6-months follow-up period.