Influence of marginal and segmental mandibular resection on the survival rate in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the inferior parts of the oral cavity

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether radical (segmental resection) or conservative (marginal) resection of mandibular bone influenced patients, survival. A series of 136 patients selected for partial mandibular resection for the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas of the lower oral cavity was evaluated retrospectively. Fifty-four patients underwent marginal and 82 cases segmental resection of the mandible. The mean follow-up periods were 91.1+/-30.1 months and 91.5+/-26.2 months, respectively. Data was extracted from the patient records and transferred into a database for statistical evaluation. Results Mean survival was 63.0+/-35.3 months for marginal and 53.1+/-32.3 months for segmental resection. The overall survival rate was analysed according to Kaplan-Meier and the test of significance (Log Rank) which yielded no statistically significant difference in the survival rate between both groups (p=0.1119). Numbers of recurrences, second primaries, metastases and/or postoperative complications were similar in both groups, i.e. no statistically significant differences were observed (ANOVA, Post-hoc Scheffé test). Conclusion In cases with an indication for bone resection, marginal resection may achieve satisfactory control and is as effective as segmental resection.