Page 16 - Head and neck surgery

Palpation

A more accurate assessment of the clinical

extent of oral cavity cancer is via palpation

of submucosal induration around the ulcer /

lesion. It is important to note whether the

tumour involves neighbouring subsites in the

oral cavity and whether the midline has been

breached.

Any enlarged cervical lymph nodes should

be noted as it may indicate cervical nodal

metastasis. The size of enlarged lymph node,

level of involvement and laterality should be Left level II cervical lymph node enlargement

noted.