Squamous cell carcinoma of the lip: Is there a role for adjuvant radiotherapy in improving local control following incomplete or inadequate excision?

Background: The treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the lip with surgery is usually curative but incomplete/inadequate excision may be associated with recurrence and poor outcome. There is no consensus in the literature on the definition of an adequate excision margin. Methods: Patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the lip at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, between 1980 and 2000 were eligible for inclusion. Polytomous logistic regression analysis was undertaken to assess for predictors of recurrence. Recurrence-free and overall survival were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results: A total of 130 patients was identified. Median age at diagnosis was 64 years (23-97 years). Most lesions (90%) were located on the lower lip in 96 (74%) male patients. Median follow-up duration was 54 months (0-189 months). Most patients -presented with T-1 lesions (75%). Initial treatment was surgery (39%), radiotherapy (48%) or both (13%). Twenty-seven per cent of excised lesions had a close (less than or equal to2 mm) or positive margin. A total of 40 patients (31%) had recurrence (18% lymph nodes, 11% lip and 2% both). In the surgery group recurrence was significantly more likely with close or positive margins (P = 0.05). The 2 year -recurrence-free survival was 82% and 54% for radiotherapy and surgery, respectively (P < 0.001). The 2 year overall survival was similar (90% radiotherapy vs 100% surgery; P = 0.58). Conclusion: Incomplete or inadequate excision of some lip cancers results in local recurrence. If re-excision is not feasible -surgeons should consider the role of adjuvant radiotherapy in improving local control.