Head and neck (H\&N) cancer has a poor prognosis and high morbidity with \~50% survival and frequent treatment resistance. Most deaths result from local or loco-regional progression rather than distant metastasis. Lymphatic spread to regional lymph nodes (RLNs), especially with extra-nodal extension (ENE), is a key predictor of poor outcomes. Current imaging techniques often miss micrometastases, leading to extensive but sometimes unnecessary neck treatments. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) offers a precise method to detect early spread but is not yet widely adopted. Identifying second-echelon sentinel nodes-those receiving drainage from primary or first-tier nodes-may further refine treatment. The preReDSeL study evaluates the use of dyes (indocyanine green and Patent Blue V) for detecting these nodes. Success could reduce morbidity and guide tailored surgical/radiation therapy. The follow-up ReDSeL study will assess the clinical value of these findings.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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Percentage of cases where the histopathological analysis of the dyed specimens confirms the presence of a lymph node
Timeframe: During surgery (from dye-injection until end of surgery)
Percentage of cases where the secondary sentinel lymph node status corresponds to the presence of disease in the rest of the dissected lymph nodes based on histopathology analysis
Timeframe: During surgery (from dye-injection until end of surgery)