Mandibulectomy and Maxillectomy

Mandibulectomy and maxillectomy are valuable procedures in treatment of oral neoplasms.

Removal of portions of the mandible and/or maxilla remains a useful technique in excision of oral neoplasms. The most common indication is for excision of benign or locally aggressive neoplasms, such as the epulides (Figure 1). Removal of malignant neoplasms, such as osteosarcoma, offers a more guarded prognosis, with increased chance for distant metastases. Tumors located in the rostral portion of the mouth are easier to detect and are especially well suited for excision via mandibulectomy or maxillectomy. Caudally located tumors may be removed via excision of a portion of the mandible or occasionally removal of one entire side (hemimandibulectomy).

The primary owner concern for the procedure is postoperative cosmesis and function. Overall, clients seem very pleased with the cosmetic result following the surgery, along with the rapid adaptation by the patients in prehending and chewing food. After the hair grows back, most owners comment that the surgery site is undetectable.

Preoperative staging includes skull radiographs, bloodwork, evaluation of regional lymph nodes and thoracic radiographs..