Abstract
In a series of 253 excisions of cancer of the floor of the mouth, 57 marginal resections of the mandible retaining mandibular continuity were performed. Tumour recurred at the primary site in six of the 47 patients available for review at three years; three within the mandible itself. Three patients died with uncontrolled primary disease, but the other three survived after additional surgery and/or radiation therapy. Although this recurrence rate might appear high, the outcome of the total series is comparable with other reported series. The results do not finally demonstrate that marginal resection can be used freely, but the low morbidity and good functional results make the technique attractive. Further prospective study is needed to refine the indications for both conservation and ablation of the mandible.

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