Principles and Outcomes of Compartmental Resection in Upper Gingivobuccal Cancers

Gingivobuccal sulcus cancers present unique surgical challenges due to their complex anatomic relationships and propensity for extension into the masticator space and infratemporal fossa. Traditional wide local excision approaches often result in positive margins and local recurrences. This article reviews the principles, techniques, and outcomes of compartmental resection in upper gingivobuccal cancers, with emphasis on anatomic considerations and surgical approaches. Compartmental resection offers superior oncological outcomes compared to conventional approaches, with improved margin clearance and reduced local recurrence rates. The article does not intent to discuss the lower gingivobuccal cancers in detail as it is discussed in a separate article.