Diagnostic role of computerised tomography in mandibular invasion among patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Background: Oral cavity malignancy can result from surface epithelium, salivary glands, or submucosal soft tissue. Common symptoms include non-healing ulcers, slurred speech, dysphagia, and neck mass. Pain in the mandible may indicate cortical invasion, while resection increases morbidity and quality of life. Various researches have been focused on the accuracy of clinical examination and imaging technique in predicting tumor invasion of the mandible in oral malignancy. Methods: A cross sectional observational study was set out to review preoperative clinical and radiological assessment; and post operative histopathological finding of mandibular resection specimen in clinically evaluated and diagnosed cases of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (scc) with mandibular invasion. Results: 43 individuals of oral cavity scc with mandibular involvement were examined. 12 out of 28 mandibular resections had bone invasion, with numerous tumor entry sites being the most frequent mechanism of invasion, according to post-operative HPE. The positive predictive value (PPV) of contrast enhanced computerised tomography (CECT) scans was 42.8%, as 28 individuals had invasions revealed, sensitivity is almost 100%, specificity is 48.3. Conclusions: There is an urgent necessity to review the usefulness of radiology in the treatment of mandibulectomy. Combination of clinical and radiological examination increases sensitivity and specificity. Trial registration: registered retrospectively