Challenging Tumors of the Maxilla, Mandible and Lips: Keys to Successful Excision and Reconstruction

Oropharyngeal neoplasia is common in animals, representing 6% of all canine and 3% of all feline cancers, respectively. Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most common oral tumor in dogs followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), fibrosarcoma (FSA) and acanthomatous ameloblastoma (recently reclassified from aconthomatous epulis). Common to this group of malignancies is the propensity for extensive local invasion within the oral cavity leading to the need for aggressive maxillofacial surgery to gain adequate local control of these tumors. While beyond the scope of this lecture, a fundamental understanding of 2the expected biologic behavior of each tumor type in the affected clinical patient is critical to ensure that appropriate treatment recommendations are discussed with the client. A biopsy confirmed histopathologic diagnosis is also recommended prior to the institution of a curative intent maxillofacial surgical procedure. Maxillectomies are generally categorized based on the location, extent and laterality of the procedure: Hemimaxillectomy, Rostral hemimaxillectomy, Premaxillectomy (bilateral rostral hemimaxillectomy), Central hemimaxillectomy and Caudal hemimaxillectomy. Mandibulectomies are generally categorized as Rostral unilateral/bilateral, Partial horizontal (or segmental), Complete horizontal, Caudal and total hemimandibulectomy.  [...]