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Review
. 2015 May;51(5):464-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2015.01.015. Epub 2015 Feb 21.

A meta-analysis of margin size and local recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Caroline Rachael Anderson  1 , Katherine Sisson  2 , Marc Moncrieff  3
Affiliations
Review

A meta-analysis of margin size and local recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Caroline Rachael Anderson et al. Oral Oncol. 2015 May.

Abstract

Objectives: Excision margins for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are poorly understood. Close (<5mm) and involved (<1mm) pathological margins are key indicators of the need for adjuvant treatment. This review aimed to assess the impact of pathological margin size on local recurrence rates.

Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for studies that looked at local recurrence following excision of primary OSCC without adjuvant therapy. Five studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results: Recurrence rates were pooled to give a 21% absolute risk reduction (95% confidence interval 12-30%, p=<0.00001) in local recurrence with margins clear by more than 5mm. Unweighted pooled recurrence rates were 20% in patients with margins clear by more than 5mm.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that a 5mm pathological margin is the minimum acceptable margin size in OSCC.

Keywords: Excision margins; Oral squamous cell carcinoma; Pathology.

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