BACKGROUND: To evaluate recurrence site in the neck of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of upper aerodigestive tract after neck dissection, as well as the results of salvage treatment. METHOD: Of 943 patients submitted to neck dissection, 95 were selected with diagnosis of neck recurrence as the first sign of relapse of disease. The location of neck disease (side and lymphatic level) and the control of disease after salvage treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Ipsilateral recurrences occured in level II in 57% of patients. Salvage treatment was accomplished in 51% of ipsilateral and in 75% of contralateral recurrences. Control of disease after 12 months of salvage treatment was 31%, being 25% in ipsilateral and 37% in contralateral neck recurrences. CONCLUSION: Neck recurrence occur predominantly in level II. Relapse in level I is frequent only in oral cavity tumors, relapse in level V is rare. Neck recurrence has poor outcome even among patients submitted to salvage treatment with curative intention.
Carcinoma, squamous cell; Neoplasm metastasis; Lymph nodes; neck dissection
