Unexpected findings in neck dissection for squamous cell carcinoma: Incidence and implications

BACKGROUND: During the pathologic examination of neck dissections, unexpected pathologic findings may occasionally be encountered. These pathologic findings may simulate malignant disease and/or have implications on the already complicated management of patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 202 consecutive patients with a preoperative diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), who underwent 307 neck dissections performed by a single surgeon and examined by a single pathologist. RESULTS: Ten patients had an unexpected finding. These included metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma, leukemia, lymphoma, Warthin's tumor, and tuberculosis. Two of three patients with benign-appearing thyroid tissue within lymph nodes received no further treatment, and both remained well beyond 6 years. Four patients succumbed to SCC; none died from the incidentally discovered pathologic findings. CONCLUSIONS: Unexpected pathologic findings may be present in more than 3% of neck dissections. Although this is usually indolent, with the underlying SCC remaining the main prognostic determinate, it may significantly complicate postoperative management.