Overview
Metastatic malignant neoplasm to the neck refers to the spread of cancer from its primary site to the lymph nodes or tissues in the neck. The retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RLNs) are a common site for metastasis, particularly in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) 1.Diagnosis
Prevalence of retropharyngeal lymph node metastases (RLNMs) in OPSCC is approximately 13% 1.
RLNM prevalence varies by primary tumor subsite, with posterior pharyngeal wall SCC having the highest prevalence (24%) 1.
RLNMs are associated with a significantly higher risk of death (HR: 2.54) and progression (HR: 2.44) in OPSCC 1.Management
The presence of RLNMs in OPSCC is associated with unfavorable outcomes 1.Key Recommendations
Retropharyngeal lymph node metastases (RLNMs) are present in approximately 13% of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) cases and are associated with worse prognosis 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
The prevalence of RLNMs is higher in posterior pharyngeal wall SCC (24%) compared to other oropharyngeal subsites 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
RLNMs are associated with a significantly increased risk of death and disease progression in patients with OPSCC 1. (Evidence: Moderate)References
1 Tirelli G, Gardenal N, Zanelli E, Borsetto D, Phillips V, Marcuzzo AV et al.. Prevalence and prognostic impact of retropharyngeal lymph nodes metastases in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Meta-analysis of published literature. Head & neck 2022. link