Applicability of lymphoscintigraphy with sentinel node biopsy to eccrine carcinoma of the head and neck Journal Article


Authors: Chang, A. S.; Busam, K.; Kraus, D. H.
Article Title: Applicability of lymphoscintigraphy with sentinel node biopsy to eccrine carcinoma of the head and neck
Abstract: Background. Eccrine carcinoma of the head and neck has the propensity to metastasize both to regional and distant sites. When associated with nodal metastasis, there is a high incidence of distant spread of disease, ultimately being associated with the death of the patient. Management of the patient with clinically negative nodes remains controversial. Although elective nodal dissection has been performed, the impact of this intervention remains indeterminate. This case series serves as a feasibility study for use of the technique of lymphoscintigraphy with sentinel node biopsy for eccrine carcinoma arising in the head and neck. Methods. Two patients with eccrine carcinoma underwent sentinel node biopsy by way of the standard, three-part technique using lymphoscintigraphy, 1% isosulfan blue dye, and intraoperative use of the gamma probe. Results. In each of these cases, the lymphoscintigram successfully identified sentinel lymph nodes. Intraoperative findings were significant for confirmation of sentinel nodes with the presence of blue dye in the lymph node. In one case, frozen section identified a positive sentinel lymph node, and the patient underwent definitive nodal dissection and postoperative radiotherapy. In the second case, immunohistochemistry as part of final pathology identified a single microscopic foci of metastatic eccrine carcinoma, for which the patient elected to receive definitive radiation therapy. Conclusions. This report documents the efficacy of lymphoscintigraphy with sentinel lymph node biopsy in identifying microscopic metastasis eccrine carcinoma in primary lesions arising in the head and neck. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keywords: adult; human tissue; treatment outcome; aged; clinical feature; histopathology; case report; postoperative period; cancer radiotherapy; lymph node metastasis; lymph node dissection; lymph nodes; lymphatic metastasis; isosulfan blue; technetium 99m; lymphoscintigraphy; sentinel lymph node; sentinel lymph node biopsy; cause of death; head and neck cancer; head and neck neoplasms; lymph node biopsy; eccrine carcinoma; humans; human; male; female; priority journal; article; occult metastases; sweat gland cancer; acrospiroma, eccrine
Journal Title: Head & Neck
Volume: 25
Issue: 10
ISSN: 1043-3074
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  
Date Published: 2003-10-01
Start Page: 879
End Page: 882
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/hed.10300
PUBMED: 12966513
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 12 September 2014 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Dennis Kraus
    268 Kraus
  2. Klaus J Busam
    688 Busam