It is the EHNS Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, September 17 – 21!

Lymph node metastasis is the most important prognostic factor in most types of head and neck cancer, therefore accurate staging is essential. In early stage disease, when there is no evidence of lymph node metastases on radiological investigation, the sentinel node procedure is indicated. It prevents lymph node dissection in a substantial number of patients, resulting in significant less morbidity and consequently a better quality of life. Sentinel node biopsy provides adequate staging with detection rates above 95% and a negative predictive value round 95%. To reach these results, the quality of the injected radiofarmacon, the methodology of the injection, the interpretation of the images and handling the gamma probe during operation are all essential parts and should be led and monitored by the nuclear medicine physicians. The sentinel node procedure is performed in close collaboration with the head and neck surgeons and the nuclear medicine physician should be part of the multidisciplinary team.

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