Intra-Operative Ultra-Sonography for Assessment of Adequate Resection Margin in Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue: A Feasible Study with Early Experience

Abstract

Background: The completeness of surgical resection of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma with a margin of microscopically 5-mm is the standard of care. Deep resection margin status and tumour thickness are important factors for loco-regional recurrence and survival. Adequacy of deep margins by palpation method is usually underestimated resulting in greater normal tissue loss which requires tongue reconstruction. Intra-operative intraoral ultrasound assessment of tumor thickness outlines the adequate resection margins which would minimize the risk of microscopic close margin as well as excessive normal tissue loss. We report our early experience of estimation of deep resection margins with help of ultrasound in oral tongue cancers.