This study explored the feasibility of using quantitative muscle ultrasound (QMUS) to visualize and measure changes in orofacial muscles in postoperative oral cancer patients. It included 37 patients with resected early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma, evaluating the geniohyoid, digastric, masseter, transverse, and genioglossus muscles. Results showed that while the masseter muscle was clearly visible in all images, the intrinsic tongue muscles had lower visibility (45.9%). Visibility was significantly correlated with tumor location and patient factors such as age and BMI. Despite some visibility challenges, particularly with tongue resections, QMUS provided accurate echogenicity and muscle thickness measurements. The study suggests QMUS could be a useful tool for assessing muscle changes and guiding rehabilitation in oral cancer patients.
