Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to the superior cervical ganglion mimicking a retropharyngeal lymph node

Abstract

Background: Metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) has never been reported. Its anatomic location may easily be mistaken for a retropharyngeal lymph node. We present the first case of SCC metastasis to the SCG.

Methods: We report a case of a 69year-old never smoking male, who presented with right retropharyngeal PETCT-avid disease following chemoradiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil. He was brought to the operating room for resection, intraoperative radiation and reconstruction.

Results: Intraoperatively, visualization and frozen section confirmed squamous cell carcinoma located in the superior cervical ganglion. The ganglion was resected, intraoperative radiation was given and the patient was reconstructed with a radial forearm free flap. Postoperatively, the patient displayed features of a Horner's syndrome.

Conclusions: The superior cervical ganglion may be mistaken for a retropharyngeal lymph node. Although extremely rare, these entities may be differentiated on the basis of radiological studies.

Keywords: Horner's syndrome; Metastasis; Squamous cell carcinoma; Superior cervical ganglion.