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Influence of primary tumor surgical margins on overall survival and local recurrence in patients with squamous cell carcinoma: meta-analysis

  • 0Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių g. 2, LT-50161, Kaunas, Lithuania. abudzio@gmail.com.
Stomatologija +

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May 29, 2025

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May 29, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Surgical margins significantly impact survival and recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma. A 3 mm margin is considered safe for patients undergoing primary tumor resection.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Head and Neck Surgery

Background

  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy.
  • Prognostic factors for OSCC are crucial for treatment planning and patient outcomes.
  • The role of surgical margins in OSCC prognosis requires clear definition.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the prognostic significance of surgical margins in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
  • To determine the impact of surgical margin status on overall survival and local recurrence rates in OSCC patients.

Main Methods

  • Systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
  • Database search using keywords: "Carcinoma, Squamous Cell", "Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck", "Margins of Excision".
  • Inclusion of human studies published in English within the last 10 years, focusing on primary tumor resection with histological margin assessment.

Main Results

  • Surgical margins were identified as an effective prognostic indicator for overall survival in all 5 relevant studies.
  • Seven out of 10 studies indicated surgical margins as an effective prognostic parameter for local recurrence.
  • Quantitative analysis suggested a 3 mm surgical margin to be safe.

Conclusions

  • Primary tumor surgical margins are a significant prognostic factor for both overall survival and local recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
  • A 3 mm surgical margin is considered a safe distance and the minimum acceptable separation for close or involved margins.