Quality of life (QoL) and patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) in radiologically N0 (rN0) necks treated by Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB) or Elective Neck Dissection (END)

Introduction: Debate persists about the best management of the rN0 neck in early stage oral cancer. Traditionally END is performed where there is judged >20% risk of occult metastasis. SNB offers an alternative surgical method to stage the neck whereby clearance of the cervical is nodes is only required when metastasis is proven pathologically (SNB+). It is expected that reducing the magnitude of surgery will improve long-term quality of life, however this is yet to be proven in a prospective RCT. Data presented here will inform future research in this area.