Ultrasound-guided FNA efficiency in diagnosing of metastatic nodes of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A review

Oral cancer comprises a group of neoplasms affecting any fields of the oral cavity, pharyngeal regions and salivary glands. However, this term tends to be used interchangeably with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which represents the most common of all oral neoplasms. It is estimated that more than 90% of all oral neoplasms are OSCC. Oral SCC prefers to spread through the lymphatic system than the bloodstream, and in this region tongue tumors have the greatest potential  for neck metastases. Primary tumor’s histopathologic features like depth of invasion, thickness, growth pattern, differentiation, lymphovascular or vascular invasion have a limited prognostic value for nodal disease. Cervical lymph node status accurate assessment in HNSCC patients is critical issue because of its influences on prognosis and treatment decisions, USgFNAC proved widely accepted not only because of safety and availability in diagnosis but also it is repeatable, minimally invasive and cost-effectiveness. Keywords: Squamous cell carcinoma; Hhead and neck cancer; Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology; Ultrasound; Sentinel lymph node biopsy.