Specific object of study: Even if the pathologist does not find metastasis at the examination of the removed lymphatic glands at the patients operated because of the early cancer of oral cavity and oropharyngeal, there are regional recidives at the 4% of the patients later on. The reason for this could be the overlooked metastasis of the lymphatic glands, which were examined with a standard pathological method.

Method: We were able to determine a sentinel node with a radiotracer at the operated patients with an early cancer of oral cavity or oropharyngeal, at which we were not able to find suspicious lymphatic glands with ultrasound and clinical examination. After the selective dissection we have removed the sentinel node out of the specimen, which was then examined by the pathologist with serial cuts and immunohistochemical staining. The rest of the removed nodes were examined with a standard examination.

Results: We have found approximately 5% of the metastasis in lymph nodes that would be overlooked with a standard histopathological examination.

Conclusion: With the examination of the sentinel nodes with the immunohistochemical stainings, serial cuts and a standard examination of the other nodes, we get a very accurate status of the neck. Therefore, we can more accurately decide for the additional therapies or more precise following of the patient.

Conflict of interest: No conflict of interest.