The relationship between accessory foramina on the medial and lateral mandibular surface and surgical margins

Objective: To study the mode of which the oral tumor spread into the mandible and its relationship with the accessory foramina. Methods: Mandibles were divided into 2 regions and 6 sections in 60 specimens, and then the number and their distributions on the surface of mandible were observed under microscope. 26 patients with mandible tumor were performed by the method of mandiblectomy. Results: In each specimen, there were more foramina on the medial surface of the mandible than those on the lateral, and the inferior region more than the superior region. In the medial wall, the region around the inferior dental foramen was the commonest dedicated site for repeated the occurrence of the accessory foramina. 23 patients had no local relapse or metastasis during the follow-up period of 40.6 months. Conclusions: Accessory foramina on the medial and lateral mandibular surface is closely correlated with surgical margins.