Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects of Buccal Mucosa and Tongue: Choice of Flap

Abstract

Tongue and buccal cancer carcinomas form the major bulk of oral cancers in the Indian subcontinent [1]. Although the diagnosis of tongue and buccal mucosa cancer is straight forward, a vast majority of patients present with locally advanced lesions. Several challenges exist in the management of oral cancer [2]. Standard management of oral cancers is surgical resection of the primary lesion and cervical lymph node dissection with the addition of radiation and/or chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy depending on the histopathological report. Along with the resection of the tumour, primary reconstruction is important to minimize morbidity. The tongue and buccal mucosa play an important role in speech and swallowing and reconstruction is performed to restore acceptable form and function [3]. Also, the reconstruction should be tailored in such a way to maximize the function of the remaining musculature and mucosa.