Contralateral spread of head and neck cncer.

Abstract An analysis of 1,500 cleared radical neck dissections regarding contralateral metastases is presented. This does not represent our total experience with cancer in any given region nor does it represent the total number or percentage of cases in which contralateral metastases develop from a given region. The study has been restricted to cases in which cleared bilateral neck dissections were available for analysis. The lymphatic drainage related to the anatomic region is discussed with regard to contralateral flow and the incidence of node involvement is demonstrated. Some recommendations regarding management of the primary lesion and cervical metastases are discussed.