Depth of Invasion in Carcinoma Tongue: Evaluation of Clinical and Imaging Techniques

Abstract

Background“Depth of invasion” is an additional index incorporated in 8th AJCC staging system for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma based on its prognostic significance. Pre‐operative assessment by clinical palpation and imaging modalities has been used with limitations. The aim of the study is to compare different techniques including clinical palpation, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging with histopathology for assessment of depth of tumor invasion.MaterialsFifty patients of carcinoma tongue (T1–T3) were enrolled. Clinical palpation, Ultrasound tongue, and Magnetic resonance imaging were used to assess depth of tumor invasion. Microscopic depth of invasion was considered as reference. Statistical analysis was done to assess the level of agreement, reliability, and internal consistency. ROC analysis was done to find the “Area Under Curve” for microscopic depth versus ultrasound, MRI, and gross histopathological “depth of invasion”.ResultsUltrasound tongue showed highest “area under curve”, Intra class correlation (ICC:0.786) with a good consistency (Cronbach's Alpha:0.880) with histological reference compared to MRI(ICC:0.689;CA:0.816). Clinical palpation showed weak agreement (Kappa:0.43) for assessing depth. To observe the concordance between ultrasound and microscopic depth, Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC = 0.782) was calculated with 95% limits of agreement. Lin's concordance correlation between ultrasound and microscopic depth showed a good agreement.ConclusionsUltrasound tongue is a reliable imaging modality for pre‐operative T staging by assessing tumor “depth of invasion” in carcinoma tongue patients with good internal consistency as per 8th AJCC staging system.Level of Evidence2 (CEBM‐Level of Evidence‐2.1) Laryngoscope, 134:215–221, 2024