Measuring Depth of Invasion in Early Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Tongue: Positive Deep Margin, Extratumoral Perineural Invasion, and Other Challenges

In conclusion, DOI measurement for SCC of the oral tongue may require re-examination of the diagnostic biopsy in up to 20% of cases due to the absence or o nly minimal residual carcinoma in glossectomy specimens. In 11.5% of apparently pT2 cases, DOI may be underestimated due to the positive deep margin. Rarely, extratumoral PNI or lymphatic invasion may be the deepest point of invasion. Overall, two issues (absent or minimal residual disease and posit ive deep margin) may confound DOI measurement in early SCCs of oral tongue.
Source: Head and Neck Pathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research