Mandibular invasion by squamous cell carcinoma: A computed tomographic and histological study

Abstract

Our knowledge of the entry and spread of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) into the mandible is increasing, making an impact on surgical planning. Fourteen resection specimens of mandibular bone and adjacent SCC were radiographically (CT) and histologically investigated. In six cases there was no involvement of mandibular bone; a continuous periosteal layer separated the tumour from bone. The remaining eight specimens showed bony involvement, with good correlation between corresponding CT and histological slices in the five edentate cases. The site of entry of the tumour into the bone was usually through the alveolar crest with additional spread through the lingual cortex in tumours that la..