The management of the mandible in mouth cancer

Surgical necessity or the ravages of disease frequently result in the loss of mandibular continuity with consequent disruption of function and form. The role of the maxillofacial surgeon is central to the restoration as far as possible of maximum cosmesis and oral function. The suggestion in the recent consultative document on future organisation of cancer services lends weight to this role where it states 'In future the surgical management of cancer should be carried out by surgeons who specialise in a particular anatomical area'.