Bone Invasion in Oral Malignant Tumors

Oral cancer is a dreadful disease occurring most commonly in the Indian subcontinent. Since there is rarely a second chance for cure, initial approach to treatment is important. A crucial factor in pretreatment assessment of these patients is determination of presence and extent of bone invasion. The accurate prediction of the presence and extent of jaw bone invasion therefore takes on considerable importance as an inappropriate segmental resection will increase the complexity of reconstruction and the burden of rehabilitation. Conversely an inappropriate marginal resection will potentially compromise the oncological aims and increase the risk of local recurrence. Keeping these points in mind, this study was undertaken to assess the accuracy of clinical examination and OPG findings as compared to contrast enhanced Computed Tomography.