Influence of the Margin Status on the Recurrence of Oral Cancer

Abstract

Background: The prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma involving the oral cavity depends on various factors. The most important predictor of relapse and hence poor prognosis is the positive surgical margin of resected tissue. Therefore, it should be considered a priority while performing surgical resection. Objective: To estimate the frequency of presence of tumor cells on margins of histopathological specimens of oral squamous cell carcinoma after safe margin resection and the reoccurrence rate. Period: Two years from January 2015 to December 2017. Setting and design: This quasi experimental study was carried out at the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Mayo hospital, Lahore. Methodology: Fifty patients with squamous cell carcinoma of orofacial region requiring safe margin surgical resection were selected. Presence of tumour cells on margins of histopathological specimens was determined. And monthly follow up was done for six months to check the recurrence. Results: Histopathological results of margins of total 50 patient showed that 70% patient had negative margin,26 %patients had close margin and 4% patients had involved margin. Out of these patients 12% had recurrence of the disease. Conclusion: Margins are an important predictor of disease control and its recurrence.