Determining Adequate Margins in Head and Neck Cancers: Practice and Continued Challenges

Abstract

Margin assessment remains a critical component of oncologic care for head and neck cancer patients. As an integrated team, both surgeons and pathologists work together to assess margins in these complex patients. Differences in method of margin sampling can impact obtainable information and effect outcomes. Additionally, what distance is an "adequate or clear" margin for patient care continues to be debated. Ultimately, future studies and potentially secondary modalities to augment pathologic assessment of margin assessment (i.e., in situ imaging or molecular assessment) may enhance local control in head and neck cancer patients.

Keywords: Adequacy of resection; Frozen sections; Intraoperative consultation; Margins; NCCN; Oral; Pathologic assessment; Squamous cell carcinoma; Tongue.