Acellular Dermal Matrix for Post-Excisional Reconstruction in Oral Premalignant Lesions: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) are a heterogeneous group of potentially malignant lesions, with multiple etiological factors, accounting for 17-35% of all new oral cancers. Early detection and effective management of these lesion is crucial for preventing malignant transformation. Surgical excision is the treatment modality which offers complete clinical response. The complexity of post-surgical oral mucosal defect and its restoration leads to limited as well as delayed adoptability of surgical modality. In recent years, Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) has emerged as an innovative solution for reconstructing oral cavity soft tissue defects. This sophisticated biomaterial scores over traditional reconstructive options like mucosal grafts and split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) in terms of unlimited tissue availability and better recipient site outcomes. The very simple technique of ADM application and its better tissue assimilation makes it preferable over microvascular free tissue transfer which causes minimal contracture but demands specialized expertise and infrastructure limited buccal mucosa defects. In this study, we share our experience of 7 patients who underwent OPL excision with ADM restoration of oral mucosal defects between March 2023 to March 2025.