Metastasis to The Submandibular Gland In Patients Presenting With Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Background:Approximately one third of patients undergoing neck dissection procedure that includes gland resection experience xerostomia, particularly nocturnal xerostomia. Metastasis to level 1b lymph nodes in patients presenting with OSCC is considered frequent, however, submandibular gland invasion is rare and preservation of the gland offers multiple benefits. Objective:The objective is to study the prevalence of submandibular gland involvement in patients presenting with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Methods:It’s a cross sectional analytical study consisting of 90 patients presenting with biopsy proven OSCC. All patients presenting to centers of Dow university of health sciences are included in the study. Data entry and analysis was carried out on SPSS version 21. Results are expressed in frequencies and percentages. Chi squared test was applied to analyze the relationship between submandibular gland involvement and patient’s sociodemographic and tumor related variables. Results:A total of 90 participants were a part of the study. 71.1% were male whereas 28.9% were female. The median age is 48. The most common tumor site among our patients is buccal mucosa (63.3%). The depth of invasion ranged from 0.2cm to 5cm (median 0.95cm) with round 55.6% patients presenting with depth of invasion <1cm. Majority of the patients (48.9%) presented with stage IVa (AJCC). 71.1% had level 1b negative nodes, whereas 28.9% patients demonstrated positive level 1b nodes. 50% of the patients presented with stage IVa. Number of patients with submandibular gland involvement were 5. Conclusion:Based on the results of our study, due to rare involvement of submandibular gland, it should be persevered wherever possible and decision to preserve should be based on determinants, such as, primary tumor site, level 1b involvement and depth of invasion.