Tumors of the Jaws

LXXXIX Treatment of Malignancy of the Buccal Mucous Membrane, Gingiva, Soft and Hard Palate

“…When malignancy is detected on the soft or hard palate or gingiva, it is essential to carefully evaluate the extent of the growth as shown by roentgen examination to determine if there is invasion of the jaw or antrum.P: 36 The lymph nodes in the drainage area are carefully palpated to determine if they are involved; cancers of the gingiva, soft and hard palate and buccal mucous membrane do not metastasize with the same rapidity as those of the tongue, floor of the mouth, fauces and tonsil. Intraoral carcinoma remains localized to the mouth and lymph nodes in the drainage area, if it has advanced to them, for long periods of time without extending below the clavicle; consequently, it is important to diagnose these cancers early and eradicate the local lesion 34 and involvement in the lymph node drainage area, if present.…”

“…If this procedure does not give satisfactory results, an incision is made through the ascending ramus with an osteotome, creating a false joint as suggested by Ward. 34 ,36 Implantation of radium needles to treat cancer of the buccal mucosa is now obsolete. This method of therapy introduces infection into the deeper structures of the cheek through the path of the needles.l" 34,35 results in extensive scarring and ankylosis of the jaw, and allows persistence of the tumor and recurrence in a high percentage of cases.…”

“…36 where a tooth has been extracted to involve the jaw early. On the buccal mucous membrane of the cheek malignancies are more frequently encountered along the occlusional surface.…”