Is preventive neck dissection necessary for T1-2N0 tongue cancer?

Abstract

The validity of performing elective neck dissection for T1-2N0M0 tongue squamous cell carcinoma was examined. A multicenter retrospective study with decision tree analysis was performed. The results revealed the utility of tumor depth as the criterion for performing elective neck dissection, with a tumor depth of 4-5mm or greater as the criterion. However, it may be necessary also to consider age.