To study the location and the operation methods of metastases of lingual carcinoma to cervical lymph nodes. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 86 cases of lingual carcinoma treated by surgical operation from 1978 to 1998. Results Lingual carcinoma metastasize along the vertical chain of cervical lymph passage from the upper to the middle and the lower cervical lymph nodes

with the metastasis rate of 40.98%.The recurrent rate of metastases of cervical lymph nodes of lingual carcinoma treated by elective radical neck dissections was 12.5%（5/40）

while the recurrent rate was 30.8%（4/13）

when suprahyoid neck dissection was chosen. Conclusion The metastases of cervical lymph nodes of lingual carcinoma were indications of expanded elective radical neck dissection.Supraomohyoid neck dissection was only a preventive operation when no clinical cervical metastases were demonstrable.Suprahyoid neck dissection should use cautiously.