Impact of histological Oral Tongue Cancer margins on locoregional recurrence: A multi-centre retrospective analysis

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the effect of the histological margins (HM) upon locoregional failure (LRF) and overall survival (OS) for oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). Materials and Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of 258 patients, across two institutions, treated for OTSCC between 2007 and 2016. A Cox-proportional hazards model was used to compare the relative hazard ratio of HM to the accepted standard of 5 mm margins for LRF and OS. Results: The median follow up period was 4.8 years. The 5 year OS and freedom from LRF were 69% and 75% respectively. The Cox-proportional hazards model adjusted for age, DOI and LVI showed increasing risk of mortality and LRF with decreasing ..