Supraclavicular lymph node recurrence after radical surgery: is epidermal growth factor receptor a predictive marker?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rare postoperative supraclavicular metastasis originating from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to discuss epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a potential predictive marker. Tumour specimens of OSCC patients divided into three groups were included: supraclavicular metastasis (n = 8), conventional cervical metastasis (n = 28), no metastasis (n = 48). Basic information and EGFR expression were compared among these groups and the data were analysed to identify potentially related risk factors for supraclavicular metastasis. In the supraclavicular metastasis group (n = 8), all primary tumours were T1-T2 and located in the tongue and buccal region; five of eight cases were pathologically N0. The median interval from the primary tumour resection to the development of supraclavicular metastases was 21.5 months. All related deaths (5/8) occurred within 2 years. In the supraclavicular metastasis group, EGFR expression was highest in the supraclavicular metastases, followed by cervical lymph nodes, and was lowest in the primary tumours (P = 0.39). In contrast, in the conventional metastasis group and the N0 group, EGFR expression was higher in the primary tumours than in the lymph nodes (P < 0.01). Supraclavicular metastasis of OSCC is infrequent and associated with a poor prognosis. EGFR might predict the occurrence of supraclavicular metastasis.

[Comparetive study of CBCT and MSCT in the diagnosis of styloid process syndrome].

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value between CBCT and MSCT in the styloid process syndrome. Method:One case with styloid process syndrome is selected examination of CBCT and MSCT in the patient's position of styloid process. The length and the angle of the styloid process in the picture of CBCT and MSCT were measured and had a construct with each other. Result:MSCT is slightly clearer than CBCT in the imaging of styloid process, but there is no obvious difference in the length and angle measurement of styloid process between them. Conclusion:Except for MSCT, CBCT is another important means in the diagnosis of styloid process syndrome, CBCT has a great clinical application value.