Objective: To assess whether the elective neck dissection would be beneficial as a routine management in the N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
Methods: Cox regression model was used for analysis of tongue cancer cases treated by our hospital in a period from 1958 to 1996.
Results: Size of primary tumor and preoperative radiation showed significant difference in relation to cervical lymph node recurrence or metastasis. Neck dissection in the series was not a factor to influence the rate of cervical recurrence or survival. 5-years survival was 73.5% versus 69.3% in patients who underwent elective neck dissection and those without neck dissection (difference not statistically significant).
Conclusion: We suggest that elective neck dissection would be avoided in T1 or T2 patients who have no neck node metastases.