Depth of invasion, tumor budding, satellite tumor: a predictor of node involvement in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: The most overwhelming area in head and neck area for essential threatening tumors are oral cavity and over 90% malignant growth comprises of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It has a high inclination for extensive lymph node metastases. There are different elements anticipating node involvement and among them tumor related factor is progressively dependable. Objectives: Correlation between the depth of invasion, tumor budding, and presence of satellite tumors in node involvement and treatment planning of T1/T2/T3 N0 M0 oral tongue SCC. Methods: Depth of invasion, tumor budding, satellite tumors were studied in 20 cases of T1, T2, T3 and clinically N0 nodes. Results: Tumor budding (5 clusters at the invasive front of the tumor) depths of invasion (2.5cm), presence of satellite tumors were associated with poor prognosis in patients with early oral tongue SCC. Conclusion: Analyzing the depth of invasion, tumor budding, and presence of satellite tumors in node involvement and treatment planning of T1/T2/T3 N0 M0 oral tongue SCC is recommended.