Sentinel node biopsy: the technique and the feasibility in head and neck cancer

Management of the clinically N(0) neck in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is still under debate. Tumour spread to the neck is the most important prognostic factor in head and neck cancer patients. The sentinel node technique comprises the identification of the sentinel node by means of dye or isotope or a combination, and surgical removal followed by histological examination. We have reviewed the preliminary reports indicating that sentinel node identification is technically feasible in head and neck cancer surgery, i.e. in solitary and unilaterally oral and pharyngeal cancer stages T1 and T2 with clinical N(0). However, the existing reports enrole observational studies, thus randomised trials should be considered to gain maximum valid data to prove that sentinel node biopsy has an effect on parameters such as loco-regional control and survival.