AGGRESSIVE SURGERY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ORAL NEOPLASIA

Aggressive surgical techniques such as mandibulectomy and maxillectomy have become the standard surgical treatment for oral neoplasia. The development of these procedures has provided some hope for a cure or at least extended life span in animals with oral tumors. Although large segments of bone and soft tissue are usually removed, function and cosmesis are acceptable. Postoperative complications are common but are usually treatable. Best prognosis for long-term survival is for patients with benign tumors or early SCC. Less favorable results have been found with fibrosarcoma and MM. Continued research in adjunctive treatment of these tumors may further improve the results of combined surgical and medical management.