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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

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01-09-2013 | Review Article

Surgical margins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: what is ‘close’?

Authors: Matteo Alicandri-Ciufelli, Marco Bonali, Alessia Piccinini, Laura Marra, Angelo Ghidini, Elio Maria Cunsolo, Antonino Maiorana, Livio Presutti, Pier Franco Conte

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 10/2013

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the definition of close margin in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and its possible prognostic significance. An appropriate string was run on PubMed to retrieve articles discussing the ‘close’ surgical margin issue in HNSCC. A double cross-check was performed on citations and full-text articles retrieved. In total, 348 articles were identified. Further references were included by using the option “Titles in your search terms” option in PubMed. 15 papers were finally included for qualitative synthesis. In vocal cord surgery of HNSCC, a close margin could be considered to be ≤1 mm, in the larynx ≤5 mm, in the oral cavity ≤4 mm, and in the oropharynx ≤5 mm. In each patient, the choice of extent of close margin should be balanced against general condition, tumor stage, and functional issues to indicate appropriate adjuvant therapy.

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Title: Surgical margins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: what is ‘close’?
Authors: Matteo Alicandri-Ciufelli
Marco Bonali
Alessia Piccinini
Laura Marra
Angelo Ghidini
Elio Maria Cunsolo
Antonino Maiorana
Livio Presutti
Pier Franco Conte
Publication date: 01-09-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 10/2013
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-012-2317-8

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Surgical margins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: what is ‘close’?

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