Evaluation of involvement of submandibular gland in oral SCC

Background: The management of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) has evolved significantly over the years, particularly concerning the surgical approach to neck dissection and the preservation of the Submandibular Gland (SMG). The decision to preserve the SMG during neck dissection is influenced by various factors, including the stage of the carcinoma, the anatomical location of the tumor, and the involvement of lymph nodes. Recent literature suggests that in specific cases, particularly early-stage carcinomas that do not originate from the floor of the mouth and do not involve level Ib lymph nodes, the SMG can be preserved safely during neck dissection We also tried to detect the proportion of SMG intact or invasion by tumor cells in our study. Materials and methods: 96 patients who were diagnosed with oral cavity mucosa cancer and applied and received treatment between 2013-2023 were investigated. 67 of the patients were men and 29 were women. Neck dissection was performed in 71 of these patients and a total of 77 SMGs were removed and sent for pathohistological examination. Result: 71 patients were treated with ND and 25 patients were not treated with ND (Table1). 37 patients were treated with unilateral SND, 18 patients with unilateral MRND, 10 patients with unilateral RND and 6 patients with bilateral ND. In all of patients, weren’t found metastatic cells into the submandibular salivary gland. Conclusion: Finally, we see in our study with comparing other studies that the incidence of SMG metastasis is quite low. It is more appropriate to preserve the gland, especially in the early stages and when no pathological lymph nodes are seen radiologically.