The Rate of Submandibular Gland Involvement and Its Preservation in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

In the perspective of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, it is necessary to improve quality of life to some extent by reducing complications. Saliva plays a major role in maintaining oral health as it provides 50–70% of salivary production daily. Many surgeons follow a traditional method of neck dissection with submandibular gland excision. This affects the well-being and hampers the quality of life of the patient due to reduced salivary secretions. Therefore, if this gland can be preserved, it will promote the overall quality of life in postoperative period. To know the rate of submandibular gland involvement in oral squamous cell carcinoma. This provides basis wether IT can be preserved in appropriate cases. We reviewed the histopathological reports of 51 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who underwent excision of primary with simultaneous neck dissection and submandibular gland excision. We have found that out of 51 patients, only 2 patients had submandibular gland involvement. Based on our observational study, the rate of submandibular gland involvement in oral squamous cell carcinoma is very low. Due to rarity of involvement, it can be persevered wherever feasibility persists. Preserving submandibular gland is based on factors such as primary site of tumor, staging, lymph nodal involvement with or without extracapsular spread, and depth of invasion. Here, we are concluding that our study gives the basis in favor of preserving the gland so that we can reduce xerostomia and promote quality of life to the patient.