title: Management of the mandible in oral cancer.
abstract: Modern head and neck surgery has focused on patient rehabilitation and restoration of form and function in the treatment of oral cancers. An important aspect of that process has been the conservation of the mandible in tumor ablation and the reconstruction of the mandible if segmental resection is indicated. This article outlines the science and clinical data behind rim mandibulectomy and the mandibular osteotomy and "swing" to gain access to tumors of the posterior tongues and pharynx. Additionally, the various methods of reconstruction of the mandible in use today as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each are addressed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Larson
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Sanger
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps