A new method for the prediction of cervical node metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: A combination of Martínez-Gimeno Scoring System and clinical palpation

Abstract Aims Evaluation of the accuracy of palpation, CT scan and Martínez-Gimeno Score System in the assessment of neck nodes metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Design This is a prospective triple blind study performed in 40 consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Patients: 40 consecutive patients suffering primary oral squamous cell carcinoma, without any treatment before surgery, palpation or CT Scan. Results 40% of the cases showed metastasis in pathological study. Sensitivity was 100%, 94% and 75% for MGSS 13, CT scan and palpation, respectively. Specificity was 83%, 38% and 25–50% for palpation, CT scan and MGSS 13–17, respectively. Negative predictive result values were 100%, 90% and 83% for MGSS 13, CT Scan and palpation. The logistic regression analysis showed an independent predictor factor for palpation ( p = 0.001) and MGSS ( p = 0.01). The combination of MGSS and clinical palpation allowed a new design for evaluating neck metastasis in oral cancer. This method establishes 3 different groups at risk: 3 of very low (