4 Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery

The oral cavity is the most common location in the head and neck region for primary malignant tumors. In the Western world, primary squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity most frequently involve the tongue and the floor of the mouth. In countries in which betel nut and tobacco chewing are common, the buccal mucosa and retromolar trigone are the most frequently encountered primary tumor sites. Initial treatment depends on parameters of the primary tumor, patient factors and factors related to the treatment team (Shah & Patel, 2003; Ariyan, 1997).