Factors associated with mandibular deviation and proposed classification and treatment guidelines for applying mandibular guidance: A retrospective analysis of 185 patients with segmental mandibulectomy.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Mandibular guidance therapy is the preferred treatment for patients with segmental mandibulectomy after oncological surgeries. Clinicians face difficulty in decision making and delivering appropriate prosthetic treatment for the rehabilitation of these patients because of the lack of published information. PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the factors associated with mandibular deviation and to introduce a classification system of mandibular deviation and prosthetic guidelines for rehabilitating patients with segmental mandibulectomy using a mandibular guidance appliance (MGA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 185 patients with segmental mandibulectomies without bony reconstruction were evaluated from July 2019 to July 2022 for factors affecting the mandibular deviation and the feasibility of rehabilitating these patients with various types of MGA. Patients reconstructed with a free fibula osteocutaneous flap and those who underwent marginal mandibulectomies without mandibular deviation were excluded from the analysis. Based on the extent of mandibular deviation, the condition of oral tissues, and the functional activity, patients were classified into 1 of 5 classes and treated with an appropriate MGA. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher exact tests (α=.05). RESULTS: Of 185 patients, 45 (24.3%) showed no mandibular deviation and were classified into class I without the need for a guidance appliance; 114 (61.6%) showed mild mandibular deviation, were classified into class II, and were treated with a mandibular guide plane prosthesis (MGPP); 7 (3.8%) showed moderate mandibular deviation, were classified into class III, and were treated with a progressive mandibular guide plane prosthesis (Progressive MGPP); 5 (2.7%) showed severe mandibular deviation with fibrosis, were classified into class IV, and were treated with an occlusal ramp prosthesis; and 14 (7.6%) showed compromised oral conditions, were classified into class V, and did not receive any type of MGA. Patients with M0, poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and those who had received radiotherapy showed more mandibular deviation (P<.05). The degree of mandibular deviation increased from Class I to Class IV and was significantly associated with the time gap between surgical intervention and MGA delivery (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy and delay in delivering the MGA had a significant effect on mandibular deviation. The proposed classification and prosthetic guidelines were based on the mandibular deviation and will help clinicians in decision making and planning treatment before delivering the MGA.

Occupations and the risk of buccal mucosa cancer in Indian men: A multi-centre case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between lifetime occupational history and risk of buccal mucosa cancer (BMC). METHODS: We utilized a multi-centric, hospital-based case-control study across five centres of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India. Cases included men aged 20-75-years with histological confirmed primary cancer of the buccal mucosa. Visitor controls were frequency matched to cases for age (10 years interval) and current residential zone. Study participants were interviewed face-to-face. Logistic regression was performed to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Among ever employed males, we identified 1969 BMC cases and 2145 controls. We observed an increased risk of BMC in 'Craft and Related Trades Workers' (OR 1.37; 95 % CI 1.13-1.65), 'Plant and Machine Operators and Assemblers' (OR: 1.26; 95 % CI 1.01-1.56), and 'Elementary Occupations' (OR:1.33; 95 % CI 1.12-1.58). More specifically, the increased risk was observed for 'Metal, Machinery and Related Trades Workers', 'Handicraft and Printing Workers', 'Drivers and Mobile Plant Operators', and 'Laborers in Mining, Construction, Manufacturing and Transport'. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that certain occupations may be at a higher risk of BMC. Some fraction of BMC can be prevented by reducing exposure to hazardous agents used in these occupations. Further research is needed to identify which exposures are responsible for the increased risk. Moreover, tobacco control and early detection activities can be focused towards these occupations as tobacco consumption is also high in them, which may also be the reason for increased risk observed in these groups.

Effects of Viral Infections Like COVID-19 on Head and Neck Cancers: The Role of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Counts and Ratios.

BACKGROUND: Over the last three years, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has had a global impact. COVID-19 has led to diagnostic and treatment delays in head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCCs). Both cancer and COVID-19 trigger systemic inflammatory responses that can result in cytokine storms, creating a favorable tumor microenvironment that supports tumor growth. Various studies have shown a positive association between increasing neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and disease severity in COVID-19. Studies have also shown that high NLR is associated with poor survival outcomes in cancer patients. Our aim is to investigate whether an increased NLR is linked to rapid tumor progression in patients with HNSCC who have also been affected by infections like COVID-19 in the pre-operative period. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients of HNSCC who were scheduled for surgery and had contracted COVID-19 in their pre-operative period between April 2021 and May 2021. The study analyzed pre- and post-COVID NLR in relation to disease progression in HNSCC. Statistical analysis was presented as an interquartile range and numbered with the percentage. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Version 26.0, Armonk, NY) was utilized for the analysis. RESULTS: We evaluated 200 operable cases of which 38/200 (20%) patients with HNSCC were COVID-19 positive. Out of those COVID-19-positive patients, 27/38 (71%) patients got operated. Around, 11/38 (28.9%) patients were inoperable. And, 14/27 (53.8%) operated patients also had a change in treatment plan. The mean duration from the joint clinic treatment plan to the date of surgery was 25.18 days. Patients who had contracted COVID-19 and had a change in their treatment plan due to disease progression exhibited mean NLR values of 3.84 (pre-COVID) and 11.11 (post-COVID), with respective medians of 3.04 and 10.50. These differences showed a statistically significant p-value of 0.000. In contrast, patients who had no change in treatment plan displayed mean NLR values of 4.51 (pre-COVID) and 9.70 (post-COVID), with respective medians of 3.47 and 3.42, resulting in with a non-significant p-value of 0.082. CONCLUSION: This is a one-of-its-kind study that has evaluated the role of elevated NLR in patients with a COVID-19 virus infection and its relationship with the clinical progression of the disease. The findings suggest that elevated NLR in patients with HNSCC, along with concurrent SARS-CoV2 infection, may contribute to accelerated disease progression with an increase in tumor burden and nodal metastasis.

Bilateral Tunnelized FAMM Islanded Flap for Reconstruction of Composite Defect of Tongue and Floor of Mouth: A Case Report.

The work of Massarelli et al. is well known for popularizing t-FAMMIF, however to the best of our knowledge bilateral flap has never been harvested and inset together to reconstruct a composite defect. Larger unilateral flaps have been reported in literature but to harvest such a flap in patients of S.E Asian region would entail high propensity for trismus in the post op period as they have tendency for submucosal fibrosis owing to their guthka (chewing tobacco) chewing habits. Oral submucous fibrosis is contra-indication for this flap; however, some of our patients despite being chronic abusers of guthka do not have clinical presentation of OSMF and if the defect post ablation is appropriate are chosen to be candidates for reconstruction with the flap. In this select population harvesting larger flaps can potentially lead to trismus, a fact highlighted in the paper.

Prognostic Impact of Poor Differentiation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Treatment Naïve Node-Negative Early Oral Cancers.

We have conducted this study to understand the impact of poor differentiation (PD), as a sole poor prognostic factor, in early oral cancers. This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of clinically node-negative early T stage OSCC patients operated between 2012 and 2014. Impact of PD on the survival and role of adjuvant therapy in these patients was noted. Out of 1172 patients screened, 280 patients were found to be eligible for the study. 11.4% patients had PDSCC. It was found to be associated with tongue cancers and peri-neural invasion. It had a significant impact on OS and DFS (48.7 months vs 81.4 months, p < 0.00 and 44.6 months vs 73.5 months, p < 0.00 respectively. Hazard ratio for DFS: 4.08. Although patients with PDSCC had better survival with radiotherapy, but this was not statistically significant. Poor differentiation as a stand-alone factor impacts survival in patients with early oral cancer. It may be seen more often in patients with tongue cancer and may have associated PNI. The role of adjuvant therapy in such patients is not clear.

Status and Determinants of Early Detection of Oral Premalignant and Malignant Lesions in India.

It has been over four decades since the launch of the National Cancer Control Programme in India, yet the cancer screening rates for oral cancer remain unremarkable. Moreover, India is bracing a large burden of oral cancer with poor survival rates. An effective public health programme implementation relies on a multitude of factors related to cost-effective evidence-based interventions, the healthcare delivery system, public health human resource management, community behaviour, partnership with stakeholders, identifying opportunities and political commitment. In this context, we discuss the various challenges in the early detection of oral premalignant and malignant lesions and potential solutions.

Embedding a multiple health condition approach across NHS Greater Manchester.

Here, we present two real-world examples of how a prioritised, person-centred, multiple health condition approach - also termed a multimorbidity approach - has been applied to long-term condition management in general practice in Greater Manchester. The first example is the implementation of targeted multiple health condition reviews via a population health management approach across general practice in the City of Manchester. The second example is the development of a person-centred risk stratification tool, focused on unmet cardiovascular need, called 'CVNeed'. This tool provides a unique approach to highlighting the highest unmet need and, thus, the largest return on investment to the system from proactive efforts. These examples demonstrate how a person-centred, multiple health condition approach to long-term condition management, enabled by data intelligence to drive prioritisation of clinical need, can help to address longstanding health inequalities and unwarranted variation in health outcomes. This work also highlights the potential for integrated care systems (ICS) to work collaboratively to tackle health inequalities at a system, locality and neighbourhood level, thus making significant strides toward achieving the vision set out in the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) Strategy.

Worst pattern of invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma is an independent prognostic factor.

Introduction: Biologic aggressiveness of OSCC (Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma), has intrigued research in various prognosticating histopathological markers over past few decades. DOI (Depth of Invasion) is one such histopathological factor which affects outcomes and was included in the AJCC 8th edition TNM staging. Pattern of Invasion (POI) has been widely reported as an adverse prognostic factor associated with higher locoregional failure and poor prognosis. However, these factors are not utilized for treatment decision making and for outcome assessment. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 320 patients with OSCC who underwent treatment, from October 2018-February 2020. Clinic demographic details were extracted from electronic medical records. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done for the parameters. WPOI (Worst Pattern of Invasion) was correlated with all histopathological prognostic factors. Survival analysis was done using Kaplan Meier for WPOI type's I-V. DFS (Disease free Survival) was evaluated for different grades of WPOI. Results: We analyzed the results comparing, early and advanced T (Tumor) stages, cohesive WPOI I-III, non-cohesive WPOI IV-V. Univariate analysis showed a significant association of T-stage (p = 0.001), N (Nodal) -stage (p = 0.002), DOI (p = 0.008), PNI (Peri-neural invasion) (0.001) and Tumor differentiation Grade (p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, non-cohesive WPOI (IV & V) showed significant association with grade, PNI, DOI (0.002, 0.033 & 0.033 respectively). Non-cohesive WPOI had significantly higher locoregional failures and short DFS. Conclusion: Presence of invasive WPOI is associated with advanced T stage, poor differentiation, PNI, greater depth of invasion, and higher chances of nodal metastasis. WPOI is associated with poor DFS, treatment intensification in early stage disease with WPOI type IV & V may improve survival.

Transposition nasolabial flap: A versatile flap for sensate reconstruction of lip defects.

INTRODUCTION: Lip reconstruction aims at maintaining the function and aesthetics of the facial subunits. Sensation in the reconstructed lip helps in bolus formation, tactile discrimination, and thermal sensation. In this study, we aim to describe random pattern nasolabial flap for lip reconstruction using various functional parameters. METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective study of 22 patients with carcinoma lip who underwent surgical resection and reconstruction with sensate nasolabial flap. Several clinicopathological parameters were studied. Outcome parameters like oral competence, tactile sensation, thermal sensitivity of reconstructed lip and speech outcomes were evaluated. RESULT: A functional outcome with 2-4 mm of two-point discrimination was obtained in 19 patients. All patients had intelligible speech. A mean sulcus depth of 19.59 mm was achieved. One patient had partial flap loss owing to wound infection. CONCLUSION: Random pattern senate nasolabial flap offers a good functional outcome by maintaining the tactile and thermal sensitivity.

Role of Robotics in Non-oropharyngeal Head and Neck Tumours.

Transoral robotic surgery has been gaining widespread acceptance for the treatment of oropharyngeal malignancies. It has shown tremendous growth in the field of non-oropharyngeal malignancies like thyroidectomy, neck dissection, and parapharyngeal tumours. Many studies have aimed at studying the safety and efficacy of the technique. The literature is abundant for procedures and treatment protocols for oropharyngeal malignancy; however, there is paucity on its usability in non-oropharyngeal malignancy. We aim to review the literature to analyse the usability of robotics in non-oropharyngeal tumours and study the evolution and future applications of robotics in head and neck cancer. A thorough literature search using keywords "Transoral robotic surgery", "TORS", " Robotics in Head and Neck", " Robot-assisted Neck Dissection", " Robotic Thyroidectomy", " Robotic Laryngectomy", " Robotics in salivary gland disease", " Parapharyngeal space", "Systematic review", and "Meta-analysis" was done. The articles were reviewed individually by each author for a dedicated sub-heading. A narrative review was formulated under the subheadings-thyroid surgery, salivary gland, neck dissection, parapharyngeal space, and laryngectomy. The role of robotics has expanded with the advances in technology. Non-oropharyngeal head and neck disease can be approached using robotics. Careful patient selection provides a significant advantage of function and cosmesis and helps in avoiding inadvertent complications. With our growing experience, we might see a surge in robot-assisted head and neck surgery.

Impact of preoperative COVID infection on the outcomes of planned curative-intent cancer surgeries in the second wave of the pandemic from a tertiary care center in India.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic was an unforeseen calamity. Sudden disruption of nonemergency services led to disruption of treatment across all specialties. Oncology revolves around the tenet of timely detection and treatment. Disruption of any sort will jeopardize cure rates. The time interval between coronavirus infection and cancer surgery is variable and needs to be tailored to avoid the progression of the disease. METHODS: We analyzed the impact of preoperative coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on the planned cancer surgery, delay, disease progression, and change of intent of treatment from April 1 to May 31, 2021 at a tertiary care center. All preoperative positive patients were retested after 2 weeks and were considered for surgery if the repeat test was negative and asymptomatic. FINDINGS: Our study included 432 preoperative patients of which 91 (21%) were COVID-19 positive. Amongst this cohort, 76% were operated and the morbidity and mortality were comparable to the COVID-19 negative cohort. Around 10% of the COVID-19 positive were lost to follow up and 10% had disease progression and were deemed palliative INTERPRETATION: SARS-CoV-2 infection has adversely impacted cancer care and a 2-week waiting period postinfection seems to be a safe interval in asymptomatic individuals to consider radical cancer surgery.

Extramedullary Solitary Plasmacytoma of Larynx: A Rare Entity and Therapeutic Challenge.

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma is a rare entity. The diagnosis is established by clinical evaluation, detailed radiological workup and histopathology with immunohistochemistry markers. There is no clear standard of care for a solitary laryngeal plasmacytoma. A case of solitary laryngeal plasmacytoma is being reported here with the rationale for the chosen treatment modality.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in technically unresectable head and neck cancers: a retrospective audit.

Background: The data regarding the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in technically unresectable head and neck cancer (HNC) is limited and real-world studies are needed to look for the efficacy and toxicities of this approach. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in the Medical Oncology department of our hospital. All technically unresectable HNC patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy between May 2018 and May 2020 were included in this analysis. Patients received three-drug regimen docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) regimen, two-drug regimens included docetaxel + cisplatin, paclitaxel + carboplatin both weekly and 3-weekly. The resectability assessment was done clinically and radiologically after completing three neoadjuvant cycles. Overall survival was calculated from the first day of chemotherapy to the date of last follow-up or date of death. Results: A total of 119 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy during the specified time. Response assessment showed partial response in 41.9% of patients with three-drug regimens and 37.5% of patients with other regimens. Out of 119 patients, 56 (47%) patients were offered radical intent therapy. Resectability was achieved in 32.3% of three-drug regimen patients and 26.1% of other patients. Surgery was feasible in 33 (27.7%) patients, and postoperative radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy were done in 30 patients (25.2%), and surgery with only postoperative radiotherapy was done in 3 patients (2.5%). Radical chemoradiotherapy was done in 23 patients (19.3%). The estimated median survival for patients who could undergo surgery was 18 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 14.9-21.0], and nonsurgical patients were 9 months (95% CI, 7.3-10.6) (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Our study shows that neoadjuvant chemotherapy in technically unresectable HNC patients can make the disease resectable in around one-third of the patients. The patients who could undergo surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy had significantly improved survival as compared to those who could not.

The Medial Sural Artery Perforator Free Flap: A Novel, yet Challenging and Versatile Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction.

Background In head and neck reconstruction, especially after cancer ablation, choosing the best flap is critical. Due to its thin, lengthy, and malleable vascular pedicle as well as low donor site morbidity, the medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) free flap is gaining popularity among reconstructive surgeons, particularly in oral soft-tissue reconstructions. The goal of this study was to record the clinical use of an MSAP flap in the repair of post-oncologic lesions in the head and neck region. Methodology Patients with oral cancer who came to our center after ablative surgery on the buccal mucosa, tongue, floor of the mouth, and hard palate were repaired utilizing the MSAP flap. Preoperatively, the perforators were discovered using an 8 MHz portable doppler and a computed tomography angiogram. Without the use of a tourniquet, the flaps were delineated and harvested. In all of our patients, a single venous anastomosis was sufficient. Results The MSAP flap was used to positively rebuild 14 cancer patients, with the flap design based on the amount of the resection site or defect. The buccal mucosa (n = 7) and tongue (n = 6) were the most common subsites of the ablative defect. The average flap size was 12 × 6 cm, with a thickness of 5-7 mm. In eight cases, the donor site defect was mostly closed, with the remaining patients receiving split-thickness grafts for subsequent healing. In 12 cases, the best cosmetic and functional results were obtained. One patient developed a postoperative wound infection, and the flap could not be saved. Another patient developed a neck hematoma which had to be debrided on the second postoperative day, with good results. In primary closure cases, patients were mobilized with full weight-bearing on the first postoperative day. Conclusions MSAP flap is an alternative to radial forearm free flap and anterolateral thigh flap in obese patients with medium-sized oral abnormalities. This flap stands out as an outstanding option for head and neck soft-tissue reconstruction due to its unique mix of flap thinness, greater skin region, and superior donor site cosmesis. Despite its importance, just a few case studies and reports have been published. A multicenter trial with a high sample size would demonstrate the use of this flap and its chimeric designs.

Safe Delivery of Surgical Care in Head and Neck Cancer Patients During COVID-19-an Audit of Pattern of Presentation and Treatment Strategies in an Oncology Centre in the Northern India.

Delay in treatment of head and neck cancer leads to stage migration and increased morbidity. Due to the COVID-19, surgical care has been severely affected. We continued our oncology services during the pandemic. We present here the pattern of presentation of head and neck cancer patients to the hospital and strategy to continue services. A retrospective audit of patients registered under Head and Neck Disease Management Group during lockdown, 23rd March to 31st May 2020, was done. Four categories were made new registrations, post-surgical patients, emergency department visits and follow-up presentation. Of the 693 patients assessed, a majority were with oral cavity cancer (80%). Seventy-eight percent of patients presented with stage IV disease. There were 382 new registrations, of which 68% were symptomatic. Of the 69 patients that underwent surgery, 17 patients were on adjuvant treatment. A total of 60 patients presented to emergency department during this period, maximum with complaints of dyspnoea (67%). One hundred eighty-nine patients were follow-up patients of which 43% were symptomatic. Among these, 12 patients were diagnosed with recurrence. Various administrative and clinical policies were formulated to continue cancer care during this time. Surgical services need not be halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following scientific rationale and treatment strategies, safe oncosurgical care can be delivered during pandemic.

Comparative study of functional outcomes following surgical treatment of early tongue cancer.

BACKGROUND: Speech and swallowing are important outcomes following resection in early tongue cancers. AIM: This prospective study was performed to compare speech, swallowing, and tongue mobility between secondary intention healing (SH) and primary closure (PC) in glossectomy for early tongue cancers. METHODS: Forty T1/T2 tongue cancers underwent wide excision followed by either PC or SH. Operative time, tube feeding, complications, speech, and swallowing were assessed in both groups at 1, 6, 12, and 24 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: SH showed better tongue mobility, less errors in continuous speech, and articulation as compared to PC at all-time points. Operative time, bleeding, duration of tube feeding, and pain scores were comparable in both groups. There were no major complications except minor secondary hemorrhage in one patient with SH. CONCLUSION: Following early tongue cancer resection, secondary intention healing can result in better speech and tongue mobility with minimum morbidity.

Primary angiosarcoma of the oral cavity in a young adult.

Angiosarcoma is a rare neoplasm, constituting only 2% of all the soft tissue tumors and most frequently involves the skin of the head and neck region in elderly males. They are extremely aggressive tumors with high rates of metastasis and poor outcomes. We report a unique case of angiosarcoma involving an unusual site - upper alveolus and maxilla in a young patient highlighting the diagnostic challenges in such a scenario. A 29 years old female presented with a non-healing wound of the oral cavity, which had progressed to the current maximum size of 6.4 cm within one month. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed the involvement of maxilla up to the floor of the orbit and adjacent soft tissue. However, no distant metastasis was detected on Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan. Biopsy of the lesion showed an irregular, highly pleomorphic, and mitotically active epithelioid soft tissue tumor conclusively diagnosed as angiosarcoma.

Primary angiosarcoma of the oral cavity in a young adult

Angiosarcoma is a rare neoplasm, constituting only 2% of all the soft tissue tumors and most frequently involves the skin of the head and neck region in elderly males. They are extremely aggressive tumors with high rates of metastasis and poor outcomes. We report a unique case of angiosarcoma involving an unusual site - upper alveolus and maxilla in a young patient highlighting the diagnostic challenges in such a scenario. A 29 years old female presented with a non-healing wound of the oral cavity, which had progressed to the current maximum size of 6.4 cm within one month. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed the involvement of maxilla up to the floor of the orbit and adjacent soft tissue. However, no distant metastasis was detected on Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan. Biopsy of the lesion showed an irregular, highly pleomorphic, and mitotically active epithelioid soft tissue tumor conclusively diagnosed as angiosarcoma.

Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap-an Effective Reconstructive Option for Extensive Buccal Cancer Resection in Resource Constrained and Salvage Settings.

Free flaps are the gold standard for reconstruction of extensive buccal cancer resections. However, salvage surgeries in previously operated and radiated necks, cost, increased operating time, and patient co-morbidities limit their routine use in high volume and resource-constrained settings. Pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap is the mainstay of reconstruction of large buccal defects. However, reconstruction becomes a challenge during salvage of recurrences where PMMC has been utilized in previous reconstruction and in female patients where PMMC harvest results in major donor site morbidity. A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 13 consecutive patients (eight male and five female) with through and through buccal cancer resection defects reconstructed using pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap from July 2018 to September 2019 was performed. The indications of using an LD flap were salvage surgeries for recurrences where PMMC was used in earlier reconstruction, medical co-morbidities, vessel depleted necks, and financial constraints precluding use of free flaps. The mean follow-up period was 9.84 months. The mean operating time post-resection was 2 h and 26 min. The mean hospital stay was 12.61 days. All patients could be decannulated successfully (mean duration 9.69 days) and 12 could be weaned off feeding tube. None of the patients had any major flap related or donor site complications. Pedicled LD flap has a limited but an effective reconstructive role for extensive buccal cancer ablation as an alternative to free flaps and PMMC in salvage and resource-constrained situations.

Optimum surgical margins in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue: Is the current definition adequate?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of progressively increasing margin distances on locoregional recurrence-free survival (LFRS) and determine an optimum margin distance for tongue cancers. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with squamous carcinoma of oral tongue, surgically treated between January 2012 and December 2013. The patients were divided based on ROC derived optimal distance and differences in LRFS per millimeter: margin distances with no significant difference in LRFS starting from 0 mm onwards (Group-I), from upper limit of Group-I to ROC cut-off (Group-II), and all values above it (Group-III). Group-II and III were matched for clinicopathologic factors and type of adjuvant therapy received. RESULTS: 451 patients had a median LRFS of 29.4 months that included 32.1% of Stage I/II and 51.7% of Stage III/IV. Group-I consisted of 0--2.0 mm (2.0-2.1 mm (p-0.029)), Group-II form 2.1 to 7.5 (7.5-7.6 mm (p-0.042)) and Group-III were ≥ 7.6 mm. In the matched group, each millimeter increase in margin provided a 3.67 months survival advantage from 2.1 mm to 7.5 mm while a substantial advantage of 15 months was seen from 7.5 to 7.6 mm. No significant advantage was gained in LRFS when the margin was increased by a millimeter from the cut-off value (p-0.602). Among the patients that were not prescribed any adjuvant therapy, a significantly better LRFS was observed in Group III than Group II (HR-3.01, p-value = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Based on these results, adequacy of surgical margins should be re-considered for oral tongue cancers.