Neck dissection of level IIb: is it really necessary?

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether resection of level IIb is necessary in elective or therapeutic neck dissections.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

Level IIb nodes were analyzed for micrometastases as separate specimens in 160 neck dissections on 148 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

RESULTS

In 106 elective neck dissections (N0 necks) from upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) and skin/parotid squamous carcinoma primaries, level IIb was involved in 4.5% and 33%, respectively. In 54 therapeutic neck dissections (N+ necks) from UADT and skin/parotid squamous carcinoma primaries, level IIb was involved in 25% and 71%, respectively. Apart from skin/parotid squamous carcinoma primaries, level IIb was never involved unless level IIa was also involved.

CONCLUSIONS

Level IIb nodes can be left in situ in UADT primary carcinomas in nontonsillar N0 necks without significantly compromising regional clearance of micrometastases.