The present study evaluated the expression of key molecules and the status of DNA in both oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC) and adjacent tissues to establish a molecular surgical boundary and provide a cancer progression model. Biopsy samples from 50 OSCC patients were divided into T(cancer), P1(0–0.5 cm), P2(0.5–1 cm), P3(1–1.5 cm) and P4(1.5–2 cm) groups based on the distances from the visible boundary of the primary focus. Twenty samples of normal mucosa were used as controls. We used immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry to evaluate p53, p21CIP1/WAF1, e IF4 E and Ki-67 expression and to determine DNA status, respectively. Sub-mucosal invasion was present in the P1 and P2 groups as determined by haematoxylin and eosin staining.Mutant p53 expression decreased gradually from cancerous to normal mucosae, whereas p21CIP1/WAF1 expression displayed an opposite trend. e IF4 E expression decreased from cancerous to normal mucosae. Ki-67 expression, the heteroploidy ratio, S-phase fraction and proliferative index decreased gradually with the distance from the tumour centre. Based on these results, we suggest that the resection boundary in OSCC surgery should be beyond 2 cm from the tumour. Additionally, the adjacent tissues of the primary focus could be used as a model for assessing cancer progression. The present study evaluated the expression of key molecules and the status of DNA in both oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and adjacent tissues to establish a molecular surgical boundary and provide a cancer progression model. Biopsy samples from 50 OSCC patients were divided into T ( P (0-0.5 cm), P2 (0.5-1 cm), P3 (1-1.5 cm) and P4 (1.5-2 cm) groups based on the distances from the visible boundary of the primary focus. Twenty samples of normal mucosa were used as controls. We used immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry to evaluate p53, p21CIP1 / WAF1, e IF4 E and Ki-67 expression and determine DNA status, respectively. Sub-mucosal invasion was present in the P1 and P2 groups as determined by haematoxylin and eosin staining. Mutant p53 expression decreased gradually from cancerous to normal mucosae, while p21CIP1 / WAF1 expression showed an opposite trend. e IF4 E expression decreased from cancerous to normal mucosae. Ki- Based on these results, we suggest that the resection boundary in OSCC surgery should be beyond 2 cm from the tumor. Additionally, the adjacent tissues of the primary focus could be used as a model for assessing cancer progression.