Approach to T4b oral cancers – A surgeon's perspective

Abstract

T4b oral cancers are considered unresectable tumors according to most of the standard treatment guidelines. However, from a head-and-neck surgeon's perspective number of factors has to be considered before labeling a T4b cancer as unresectable. This narrative review aims to emphasize various aspects of decision-making in treating a T4b oral cancer, in particular tumors involving infratemporal fossa (ITF). We conducted a literature search in PubMed for articles published between January 1990 and December 2021 using the following key terms: Oral cancer, advanced oral cancer, Head and Neck cancer, T4b oral cancer, ITF, and Compartment surgery. Then, some of these terms were used in combination for the search. Finally, a result was manually checked for relevant articles. A narrative review is presented from the surgeon's perspective in the management of T4b oral cancer.