Open questions and novel concepts in oral cancer surgery.
The persistence of cancerous cells after surgery in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents a major challenge, as it often leads to local recurrences and secondary primary tumors, which are eventually responsible for a large proportion of deaths. This persistence is currently evaluated by histological analyses. In this review we discuss some important pitfalls of the histopathological analysis, such as margin evaluation, specimen shrinkage and T staging. In addition, we critically analyze the appropriateness of current surgical techniques in relation to the concept of field cancerization. Finally, we describe some novel imaging and molecular approaches, which might be useful in tailoring surgical resections and encourage the use of OSCC animal models to explore and provide proof of concept of the feasibility and potential clinical utility of innovative surgical protocols.
['Tirelli|Giancarlo|G|', 'Zacchigna|Serena|S|', 'Biasotto|Matteo|M|', 'Piovesana|Marco|M|']
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell D002985:Clinical Protocols D006801:Humans D000072662:Margins of Excision D009062:Mouth Neoplasms D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local D013048:Specimen Handling
Oral squamous cell carcinoma Local recurrences Secondary primary tumors Histopathology Field cancerization Margin status Optical imaging Radiotherapy Surgical approach