2013 Volume 76 Issue 1 Pages 18-22
We evaluated lymph node metastasis of gingival squamous cell carcinoma in 183 patients (56 in maxilla and 127 in mandible) who underwent radical treatment between 1980 and 2002. The TN classification was T1: 21 cases, T2: 95, T3: 33, T4: 34, N0: 86, N1: 83, and N2: 14, with all cases showing M0. On the initial treatment, lymph node metastasis was histologically observed in 37 cases. Secondary metastasis was observed in 9 maxillas and 6 mandibles. During the entire course, lymph node metastasis was histologically demonstrated in 35% of the maxillas and 26% of the mandibles. Lymph node metastasis was observed in 20% of the T1 and T2 cases, and 43% of the T3 and T4 cases. The metastasis rate was high for large tumors. The location of metastasis was Level I in 42 cases, Level II in 16, and Level III in 2; Levels I and II were frequently observed. The 5-year cumulative survival rate was 95% for Stages I and II, 69% for Stages III and IV, and 84% in all cases. A significant difference was observed between the PN- group and PN+ group.
