Relationship of Tumor Thickness with Neck Node Metastasis in Buccal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Experience at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

 Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the head and neck, with the buccal mucosa being the most common site involved. Early locoregional metastasis is a hallmark of this disease, and early stage tumors may harbor metastatic nodes that are occult. Certain parameters can help identify high-risk patients for whom the pattern of occult nodal metastasis can be predicted.