Lymph Node Ratio & Capsule Penetration as Independent Risk Factors In Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Institution Based Analysis

Original Research Article Knowledge of independent prognostic factors in patients with oral caity squamous cell carcinoma is important for appropriate treatment decisions. Given the availability of aggressive therapeutic options with known side effects and burdens for the patient, choosing the correct treatment option is vital. Using a retrospective database of patients treated over a 1year period, independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival and overall survival were assessed. Univariate analysis was used to identify significant variables, and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine independent prognostic factors. 200 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas were analysed to identify prognostic factors for disease-free survival and overall survival. Although univariate analysis identified several significant factors, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that capsule penetration and lymph node ratio were the only significant factors for disease-free survival and overall survival. Lymph node ratio is an independent predictor of survival and should be examined in every patient undergoing neck dissection.