OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine which factors are associated with inadequate surgical margins and to assess the postoperative consequences.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort of 110 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma treated with surgery during a 2-year period was examined. Clinical, histopathologic, and operative variables were related to the surgical margin status. Furthermore postoperative treatment data were compared with margin status.

RESULTS: Univariate statistically significant associations were found between the tumor site in the floor of mouth, more advanced T-stage, increasing tumor thickness, and inadequate margins. Of the patients with involved margins, 87% were treated with postoperative radiotherapy or re-resection, but among patients with close margins, only 35% received either radiotherapy or re-resection.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and histopathologic factors were associated with the inadequate margin. Postoperative treatment for patients with close margins is controversial, and more studies are needed to define clear guidelines.