Description

Forest et al reported the N1S3 staging system for cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck that metastasize to lymph nodes. This can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from the University of Sydney in Australia.


 

Patient selection: squamous cell carcinoma of the skin of the head and neck

 

Sites of metastasis evaluated:

(1) parotid gland: includes both lymph nodes within the gland and the gland itself

(2) lymph nodes in the neck

 

Parameters:

(1) number of metastatic foci <= 3 cm in diameter

(2) number of metastatic foci > 3 cm in diameter

 

Sites <= 3 cm

Sites > 3 cm

Stage

0

0

0

1

0

I

0 or 1

1

II

>= 2

0 or 1

II

NA

>= 2

III

 

where:

• Extracapsular spread (ECS) is associated with survival but tends to be seen with a larger metastasis.

 

Interpretation:

• The stage correlates with locoregional control and disease-specific survival.

• The higher the Stage the greater the need for more aggressive management.

 

Stage

Locoregional Control at 6 Years

Disease Specific Survival at 5 Years

I

75%

90%

II

44%

75%

III

34%

42%

 


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