Evaluation of the outcome of different techniques in management of perioral carcinoma

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity is a significant public health issue, which uses a wide range of resources. The anatomic and functional complexity of the oral cavity makes the diagnosis and management of this disease entity extremely challenging. Therapeutic strategies are currently based on a combined surgical and radiological approach. Over the past years plastic surgeons tried to improve the quality of life in patients with oral and perioral cancer, offering new reconstructive options more suitable to achieve better functional and aesthetic results.
Patients and methods: In this study 28 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the oral and perioral region; (they were classified into 3 groups according to the size of tumor excision) were involved. Different reconstructive procedures were applied according to the condition. Post operatively they were evaluated for the functional parameters (speech, chewing, swallowing, sphincter and expression), and aesthetic parameters (assessment of tissue excised, patient and doctor satisfaction).
Results: The statistical analysis demonstrates a significant correlation between the size of resection and the functional outcome in all the investigated parameters (p =0.05), meaning improved functional outcome with the minimal reconstructive procedures in all the main anatomical functional areas.
Conclusion: A great effort was made to create a scoring system for both functional and aesthetic outcomes which is very helpful for preoperative planning, excision and reconstruction of the resulting defect. It is considered as a good indicator for improved rehabilitation efficiency through follow up period