Surgical management of early epidermoid carcinoma of the anterior floor of the mouth.

Therapy for early carcinoma of the floor of the mouth is difficult because of the tendency for local invasion of muscle and extension onto the mandible and alveolus. Nearly 100% local control of disease without mandibular complication has been possible with a wide local three-dimensional resection including marginal mandibulectomy with split thickness skin grafting. The operative technique and special considerations including management of the mandible, submandibular ducts, and airway are detailed. Lymph node metastases habe been uncommon. The primary disease and pathology are correlated with regional metastasis, and based on this a treatment plan is recommended.