Composite resections for oral cancers--experience with 97 consecutive cases.

: A retrospective study was carried out from the evaluable records of all (N = 97) patients who underwent composite resections in unit 'Head & Neck 'C' - Tata Memorial Hospital, over the years 1980, 81, 82, for a variety of oral cancers. The purpose of this study was to assess the true value of radical ablation. Tobacco addiction was observed in all patients with adequate documentation of habits. The vast majority of operations were performed for lesions of the buccal mucosa (N = 48) and lower alveolus (20); and squamous carcinoma was the predominant histologic type. Most patients presented with advanced T3 and T4 lesions. Nodal findings revealed a conspicuous disparity between clinical and pathological findings; and the final 'N' status was the most significant prognostic determinant. The results of reconstructive methods have also been reviewed. The majority of recurrences occurred within 12 months of surgery, local recurrence being commonest.