Marginal or segmental: how much of the jaw is removed | CION Cancer Clinics

Segmental mandibulectomy. It removes a full section of jaw and nearly always includes rebuilding the gap, often with bone from the calf. That means a longer anaesthetic, a second wound and a longer stay. A marginal operation is shorter because the jaw stays in one piece.

You can always ask questions and seek a second opinion. The choice is not really a preference, though. It depends on whether cancer has entered the inner bone and whether enough healthy jaw would remain. Ask your surgeon to show you on the scan what they see.

Usually not. The lower border of the jaw is kept, so there is no gap in the bone to bridge. The soft tissue in the mouth may still need covering, sometimes with a flap from the forearm or thigh, but that is a smaller repair.

Teeth in the section of bone being removed come out with it, in either operation. After a marginal cut, teeth next to the area may also be lost because their roots sit in the rim. Your surgeon can tell you which teeth are affected.

Most rebuilt jaws are held with titanium plates and screws, whether the gap is filled with bone or not. The plate usually stays for life. Some people have a plate alone, without bone, when a longer operation would carry too much risk.

Occasionally. If cancer comes back in the bone, or the thinned jaw breaks after radiotherapy, a segmental operation may be needed later. This is one reason the team may advise segmental surgery from the start when the jaw is thin.

Usually, yes. After a marginal operation many people eat soft food sooner and go home earlier. After segmental surgery with leg bone, the mouth and the leg both need to heal, and walking practice is part of recovery.

Both are cancer operations and are commonly covered within an approved treatment plan. Aarogyasri, CGHS, ECHS and EHS are accepted, and most cashless insurers are empanelled. Cover for reconstruction varies, so call the helpline with your card details before admission.