Discrepancy Between cTNM and pTNM in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective: To analyze discrepancy between cTNM and pTNM in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Setting & Duration: Cases of OSCC treated in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Allied Hospital Faisalabad from December 2017 to November 2020 were included in the study. Methodology: Total 80 patients with biopsy proven OSCC were enrolled in the study. cTNM staging was based on clinical examination and CT/MRI. Primary tumor excision along with neck dissection was done in all patients. Postoperatively pTNM staging was done and compared to cTNM. The clinical, radiological and histopathological lymph node status of patients were compared. Results: Among 80 patients, male to female ratio was 1.6:1. The mean of age was 50.2±10.2 years. The most common site in our center was the lateral border of the tongue. The total coincidence rate between clinical T-stage and pathological T-stage was 57.5%. On comparison between the clinical and pathological N-stage the total coincidence rate was 40%. The total coincidence rate between cTNM and pTNM was 35% and the p-value was insignificant (p>0.05). The sensitivity of CT/MRI for N-stage was 53.3% and specificity was 60% and positive predictive value (PPV) was 53.3% and negative predictive value (NPV) was 60%. Conclusion: Disparity between cTNM and pTNM of OSCC exits that could affect the treatment planning and prognosis.