Predictors of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Laryngeal Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Cervical lymph node metastasis is a critical prognostic factor in laryngeal carcinoma, linked to diminished survival, heightened recurrence risk, and modified treatment approaches. Lymph node involvement is influenced by the stage of the tumor, its subsite, and pathological features. This study sought to determine factors predictive of cervical lymph node metastasis to enhance risk stratification, treatment strategies, and prognostic evaluation in patients from Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study based in a hospital was carried out at Dhaka Medical College Hospital between May 2019 and June 2020 involving 85 patients diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma through histopathology. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and pathological information was gathered, and cervical lymph node metastasis was evaluated through clinical, imaging, FNAC, or surgical results. Data were analyzed via SPSS 25.0 using logistic regression to determine predictors of nodal metastasis. Approval for ethical standards and informed consent was secured. Results: In a study of 85 patients with laryngeal carcinoma, cervical lymph node metastasis was observed in 45.9% of the instances. Nodal metastasis was significantly linked to supraglottic tumors, advanced T stage, and poor histological differentiation. Multivariable analysis revealed supraglottic location (AOR=3.28), advanced T stage (AOR=4.12), and poor differentiation (AOR=3.67) as independent indicators of cervical lymph node metastasis. Conclusion: Cervical lymph node metastasis frequently occurs in laryngeal carcinoma and is closely linked to supraglottic tumor positioning, advanced T stage, and low histological differentiation. Recognizing these predictors could aid in early risk assessment, treatment strategies, and enhancing prognostic results.

Journal of Paediatric Surgeons of Bangladesh (2026) Vol. 17 (2): 59-63