Prediction of lymph node metastases by lymphoscintigraphy of the neck after peri-cancer injection of a radiocolloid.

Radionuclide imaging is used to evaluate the status of neck nodes preoperatively in small group of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. An area adjacent to the carcinoma, and a similar area on the opposite side of the oral cavity, are injected with Technetium (Tc) 99m labeled sulfur minicolloid. Differences in imaging intensity between both sides of the neck is used to predict the presence of metastases. Neck dissection confirms the histologic status of the nodes. The scan correctly predicts the presence of metastases in 100% (2/2) of patients with palpable nodes, and the absence of metastases in 75% (3/4) of patients with clinically tested negative necks.