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Abstract
Nodal yield (NY) i.e, the quantity of lymph nodes which are retrieved in neck dissections, is becoming a vital parameter in the evaluation of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). It indicates the completeness of the surgical procedure and affects oncological outcomes by affecting staging accuracy and survival estimates. This review article probes both the prognostic and quality indicator roles of NY in OSCC. We critique existing literature, regional and institutional heterogeneity, established cutoffs, and directions for future research in calibrating NY as a significant parameter in head and neck oncology. While valuable, nodal yield is not adequate as a stand-alone measure in the absence of contextual consolidation with tumor biology and surgical strategy.