Use of intraoperative cytologic assessment of mandibular marrow scrapings to predict resection margin status in patients with squamous cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the feasibility of intraoperative microscopic assessment of mandibular bone resection margins in patients undergoing segmental resection of mandible for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma.


METHODS
This prospective pilot study involved 7 consecutive patients undergoing segmental resection of mandible as part of surgical treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cytologic examination of smear/touch preparations of 35 bone marrow scrapings, including simulated positive margins, was performed.


RESULTS
"Malignant" excision margins produced a high cell yield, and it was easy to assign samples to malignant or benign categories on microscopic examination. All the simulated positive margins were easily identified. No false positive results were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Cytologic examination of bone excision margin scrapings is a rapid, inexpensive, and accurate technique. This study confirms its feasibility and accuracy in cases of mandibular resection for squamous cell carcinoma.
Mahmood
S
S
Regional Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, St Johns Hospital, Scotland, United Kingdom. shaukat@dr.com
Conway
D
D
Ramesar
K C
KC
D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies