Abstract: Objective： To analyze the predilection of metastasis at levels Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, Ⅴ for oral and maxillary squamous cell carcinoma on different primary sites. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of the records of 1 233 patients (1 340 necks) from January 2000 to December 2011 with squamous cell carcinoma simultaneously underwent primary tumor resection and neck dissection in Department of Oral and Maxillary Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. The topography of positive neck node was recorded, and the calculation was performed for the metastasis rate of levels Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, Ⅴ based on the primary site, respectively. Results: There were 557 necks with positive node (41.57%), and the metastasis rate for level Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ were 27.61%, 22.91%, 9.18%, 4.99%, 3.24%, respectively. Those in level Ⅲ were at high risk for metastasis from carcinoma of tongue and the floor of mouth. The positive rate in level Ⅱ was more than that in level Ⅰ for tongue carcinoma, but for inferior gingiva carcinoma, bucca carcinoma, upper gingiva carcinoma, palatine carcinoma, maxillary sinuse carcinoma, intraosseous carcinoma of mandibular, the positive node was more likely to happen at level Ⅰ compared with level Ⅱ. Conclusion: Most metastases happen in levels Ⅰ-Ⅲ for patients with oral and maxillary squamous cell carcinoma, but the predilection of metastasis in level Ⅰ, Ⅱ or Ⅲ is varied with the primary sites.

Key words: Carcinoma, squamous cell, Lymphatic metastasis, Maxillary neoplasms, Surgery, oral, Neck