A positive sentinel lymph node in periocular invasive squamous cell carcinoma: a case series.

PURPOSE The aim of this article was to describe positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) findings in patients with periocular invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS This was a retrospective chart review of 5 patients with invasive SCC of the periocular region who underwent SLNB and were found to have regional metastasis. RESULTS All patients had large (2.0-4.3 cm) primary tumors with poor differentiation on pathology. In all 5 patients, SLNB was positive in the absence of other signs or evidence of regional or systemic metastasis. While tumor cells may drain to the preauricular or the submandibular basin, the preauricular lymph node was identified as the sentinel lymph node on lymphoscintigraphy in all 5 patients. With a positive sentinel lymph node, the results of SLNB changed the clinical staging and influenced subsequent treatment recommendations for each patient. We identified no complications related to SLNB including facial nerve damage, lymphedema, or allergic reaction to radioactive tracing material. CONCLUSIONS In this series of patients with periocular invasive SCC, SLNB was well tolerated and uncovered regional metastasis in patients with no clinical signs of metastasis otherwise. The SLNB findings influenced subsequent oncologic management recommendations. The usefulness of SLNB for poorly differentiated SCC remains uncertain. Further research is necessary to establish the role of SLNB in periocular SCC.