Frequency and involvement of lymph nodes in squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity in cross sectional population.

Objective: To find out the frequent site of squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity and pattern of neck node involvement in cross sectional population. Study Design: Prospective Study. Setting: Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Karachi and Karachi Medical and Dental College. Period: 01-06-2023 to 31-12-2023. Methods: Patients who biopsy proven squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity visited ENT department Abbasi Shaheed Hospital were include in this study. Proforma was made in which detail history and examination were noted. Oral cavity examined to see the size and site of tumor. Neck was palpated to see palpable cervical lymph node. CT scan head and neck with contrast was done. Those patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria included in this. Result: 56 patients were selected in this study who fulfill the inclusion criteria. Male were 37 (66%). Maximum number of patients were between the 41-50 years of age, 24 patients (42.8%). Most common site of carcinoma was buccal mucosa 27 (48.2%). Highest number of patients presented with T3 stage 22 patients (39.2%). The frequency of lymph node involvement noted in 35 (62.5%) patients while 21 (37.5%) came with no lymph node. Level I was the most frequent level involved, it was involved in 28 patients (50%). Conclusion: Oral squamous cell carcinoma usually reported late. Early referral to otorhinolaryngologist and educate patient to consult Otorhinolaryngologist as earliest for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.