The frequency of occult cervical metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients - A cross sectional study.

Objective: To determine the frequency of occult cervical metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the department of maxillofacial surgery, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from July 31st, 2015 to January 31st, 2016 on 100 patients of oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) having clinically and radiologically negative nodes. Prophylactic functional neck dissection was done in each patient and was sent to the pathology lab for evaluation of any occult metastasis.