Survival impact of cervical metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of hard palate

Objective Evaluate the impact of cervical metastasis on the survival of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the hard palate. Methods 155 cases of SCC of the hard palate hospitalized in Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, from 1964 to 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Results The 5-year DSS rates for N+ and N0 patients were 21.54% and 47.36% ( P  = .048). The 5-year DSS rates were 47.36%, 27.48%, 15.55% and 0 for N0-N3 lesions, respectively ( P  = .041). Cervical metastasis was detected in 40% patients for initial consultation. After therapy, those individuals who presented with clinically negative necks had a 9.03% rate of cervical metastasis. Ultimately, 49.03% of patients manifested disease to the cervical lymph nodes. Conclusion The presence of cervical nodal disease in patients is associated with the decreased survival rates. SCC of the hard palate should be treated aggressively, and elective neck dissection should be considered because of the high rate of cervical metastasis.