Abstract

Dr. Mahavir V. Tadaiya* and Dr. Supreet Bhatt

ABSTRACT

Lymph node density or lymph node ratio (LNR), equals the ratio of positive lymph nodes to the total number of excised lymph nodes. This ratio attempts to compensate for the potential bias of the sampling method by utilizing two information components: The disease regional spread (number of positive nodes) and the surgical treatment (total number of nodes removed during surgery). In this study, we aimed to validate the utility of LND as a prognostic tool in patients with OSCC. To evaluate and establish lymph node ratio as an independent prognostic factor in operated cases of buccal mucosa and oral tongue cancer and to plan for appropriate adjuvant therapy, so no patient undergoes under treatment. A total of 30 cases of buccal mucosa & tongue malignancies meeting the inclusion criteria were admitted and operated in various units of surgical oncology department during this period.They were analysed using a detailed proforma. All patients were followed-up for 2 years and data collected. In concordance with different national & international studies accepting LNR as a important & significant prognostic factor in DFS & OS in buccal mucosa & oral tongue patients, this study finds LNR>0.08 as a significant prognostic marker. Categories: surgical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology.