Role of Imaging in Predicting the Deep Surgical Margin in Gingivobuccal Complex Cancers: A Pilot Study.

Cancers arising from the gingivobuccal complex are one of the most common types of cancer in the oral cavity and are associated with poor prognosis. Among the various prognostic factors, positive surgical margin is the most important one that can be controlled by the operating surgeon. The deep surgical margins for buccal mucosa cancers is normally assessed by palpating the skin for induration and skin pinchability.

Lymph node level ratio: Are we relying too much on numbers?

The lymph node level ratio appears to be a continuation of nodal yield and nodal density, two prognostic metrics already in use. A retrospective analysis conducted in the current study showed that a value of fewer than 4 lymph nodes/level is linked to a lower overall and disease-specific survival. This letter aims to review the reasoning behind the use of node level ratios and nodal yields as quality and prognostic indicators, and to explore possible factors that could affect these.

Upper oral cavity tumors: Is the risk of nodal metastasis different?

The state of the clinically evident cervical lymph nodes at the time of diagnosis is one of the most important factors impacting long-term survival. While squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the hard palate and maxillary alveolus are uncommon in comparison to other primary sites, there is a scarcity of published data on the effective management of the neck nodes for malignancies of these specific subsites. In such circumstances, an intraoperative frozen section or Sentinel node biopsy would aid in the optimal therapy of the neck.

Swallowing: A delayed milestone post-surgery in tongue cancers.

Functional rehabilitation remains an important factor in the post-operative period following tongue cancer surgeries. Patients undergoing surgery for tongue cancers require intense rehabilitation in order to restore their swallowing function, and improve their nutritional status and quality of life. Various swallowing scales like the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Performance status scale in head and neck cancer (PSSHNC) and 100 ml water swallow test are used to assess functionality in these patients.