Aim: The aim of study was to investigate the involvement of the submandibular gland in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma oft the tongue and floor oft the mouth.

Methods: This retrospective study in the years 2007–2012 of the Helios Kliniken Schwerin includes 100 patiens with SCC of the oral cavity. Preoperativly they all underwent a computed tomography. So we analysed patient data retrospectivly, and collected the clinical diagnostic information, tumor data and information related to therapy. Diagnostic data refer to age of diagnosis, preoperativley computed tomography, sceletal szintigraphy. We described the tumor according to localization, tnm classification, histological grade of differentiation and graduation of residual tumor as well as the stage by UICC. The therapeutic information contains surgical as well as conservative treatment.

Results: The analysis oft pre-op-ct-examination showed up 5 out of 100 patients having a direct infiltration of the submandibular gland. The histological report developed no additional metastasis nor a direct invasion of the submandibular gland.

Conclusions: Having preoperatively shown the involvement of the submandibular gland the classical concept of en bloc resection including the submandibular gland, except in cases having a preoperatively shown invasion of the gland–gland should lead to a temporarily transplantation. In these cases we recommend the temporarily transplantation oft the gland to the lower arm. Then, after surgery and radiation therapy the gland can easily be repositioned in order to produce saliva. Having the same prognosis the patients will be able to swallow and eat without carrying lots of water bottles with them the hole day long.