Fluorescence Imaging in Head and Neck Cancer
Fluorescence Imaging in Head and Neck Cancer
Fluorescent technology continues to advance in the detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs).
 Currently, this requires switching from near-infrared light to white light to be able to
 identify the fluorescent tissue contrasting with normal surrounding tissue. Currently, no
 system has been studied specifically for head and neck sentinel lymph node biopsies using a
 hands free goggle system that can visualize white light (normal surgical visualization) and
 nearinfrared light (ICG fluorescence) simultaneously. This technology may have implications
 on the safety and accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy for head and neck mucosal and
 cutaneous tumors. Secondarily, this may reduce operative costs by decreasing the amount of
 time required to perform the SLNB procedure.

 Regarding parathyroid identification, this technology has the potential to identify these
 very small glands during procedures they are at risk. These glands are not only at risk of
 inadvertent removal if not adequately identified, but may also be at risk if devascularized
 by manipulation during the surgical procedure. Therefore, early and accurate identification
 may decrease the rate of temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia. This is
 not only an issue during thyroid and parathyroid surgery, but during laryngectomy surgery
 where the anatomic region these glands are located are often resected to remove at risk lymph
 nodes from cancer spread. Therefore, identifying these glands may help preserve parathyroid
 function in this patient population as well.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Adults aged 18 years or older will be considered eligible.

 -  Patients with head and neck malignancies, such as melanoma, non-melanoma cutaneous
 malignancies, or oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Patients with central neck
 pathology including thyroid neoplasms, parathyroid neoplasms, and laryngeal neoplasms
 undergoing surgical resection.

 -  Candidates for sentinel lymph node biopsy or central neck surgery

 -  Newly diagnosed with clinically node negative head and neck cancer being staged
 with sentinel lymph node biopsy.

 -  Not pregnant or breast feeding.

 -  Able to understand and willing to sign an IRB-approved written informed consent
 document.

 -  Able to understand written or spoken English.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  History of allergy to iodide drugs or shellfish (iodine allergy)

 -  Pregnant or breast feeding

 -  Do not fit age criteria

 -  Prisoners

 -  Unable to provide written consent

 -  Contraindications for surgery

 *Presence of uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing
 or active infection of the head and neck, symptomatic congestive heart failure,
 unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations
 that would limit compliance with study requirements

 -  Receiving any other investigational agents