Use of intraoperative cytologic assessment of mandibular marrow scrapings to predict resection margin status in patients with squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose: This study assessed the feasibility of intraoperative microscopic assessment of mandibular bone resection margins in patients undergoing segm ental resection of mandible for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma. Patients and Methods: This prospective pilot study involved 7 consecutive p atients undergoing segmental resection of mandible as part of surgical trea tment of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cytologic examination of smear/touch preparations of 35 bone marrow scrapings, including simulated positive mar gins, was performed. Results: "Malignant" excision margins produced a high cell yield, and it wa s easy to assign samples to malignant or benign categories on microscopic e xamination. AU the simulated positive margins were easily identified. No fa lse positive results were found. Conclusion: Cytologic examination of bone excision margin scrapings is a ra pid, inexpensive, and accurate technique. This study confirms its feasibili ty and accuracy in cases of mandibular resection for squamous cell carcinom a. (C) 2001 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.