A Case of Mandibular Cancer Involving Almost Entire Attached Gingiva.

Abstract

Here we describe a rare case of mandibular cancer involving almost the entire attached gingiva in a 71-year-old man. First, marginal resection of the entire mandible was performed, followed by one-stage reconstruction comprising application of a split-thickness skin graft onto the wound. This resulted in good alveolar ridge morphology, allowing for a mandibular prosthesis to be installed soon postoperatively. Histopathological analysis revealed a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma extending throughout most of the resected attached gingiva, but no malignant features in the stumps. Furthermore, no infiltration into the jawbone was observed, and no vascular or lymphatic invasion or perineural infiltration. At 3 years postoperatively, the patient's clinical course has remained uneventful, with no recurrence or problems arising in the remaining mandible. The patient is also able to eat regularly using the mandibular prosthesis provided.