Carcinoma of the larynx: lymph node reaction patterns.

In a double-blind retrospective analysis, sections of lymph nodes removed at the time of laryngectomy and homolateral neck dissection were microscopically examined to assess the histopathological manifestations of an immune response. Contrary to an earlier study, no strong correlation appears to exist between the host response as manifested by the lymphnode morphology and survival or metastases. The question of preoperative irradiation altering the lymph node's ability to respond effectively is raised and puts in jeopardy such a morphological assessment in patients who have received preoperative radiotherapy.