Predictive value of lymph node metastases and extracapsular extension for the risk of distant metastases in laryngeal carcinoma.

Objective: The objective of this retrospective chart analysis was to determine the prognostic value of the lymph node status and extracapsular lymph node extension (ECE) of the neck for the development of distant metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

Methods: One hundred sixty-five patients treated for laryngeal carcinoma with a neck dissection with histologic evaluation were included. Primary study end point was distant metastasis-free survival.