Buccal mucosa cancer is a common form of head and neck cancer that originates in the inner cheek within the mouth. The buccal mucosa spans from the interior of the lips and cheeks to the area just behind the rear teeth. Comprising multiple layers of tissue, it forms a soft, moist mucous membrane
The most prevalent type of buccal mucosa cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cells are flat, thin cells that compose the uppermost layer of the buccal mucosa. In its early stages, buccal mucosa cancer limited to this superficial layer is termed carcinoma in situ. As the cancer advances, it can become invasive, penetrating deeper tissues and spreading to other body parts, a condition known as metastatic cancer.
Less common forms of buccal mucosa cancer include:
Primary contributors to the development of this type of cancer include:
Early indications of buccal mucosa cancer manifest as persistent mouth symptoms lasting for two weeks or longer, encompassing:
As the cancer progresses, expands, or spreads to adjacent oral tissues or lymph nodes, additional symptoms may become apparent, such as:
A routine examination can detect alterations in your buccal mucosa tissue. If there are suspicions of cancer, additional evaluations might be needed, including:
This procedure entails gathering a tissue sample for laboratory examination. If a tumor is suspected, your healthcare provider may conduct the biopsy using instruments like a scalpel, punch tool, brush, or fine needle.
Diagnostic tests like CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans are employed by your healthcare provider to assess the tumor and ascertain whether cancer has spread.
Your treatment regimen is tailored to your specific diagnosis, considering factors like cancer grade and stage.
Typically, the primary approach for this cancer type is surgical intervention. During surgery, your surgeon strives to remove the tumor , employing techniques designed to limit damage to adjacent tissues and preserve the functionality of your mouth.
Following surgery, your healthcare provider might suggest supplementary therapies to prevent tumor recurrence, which can encompass
This approach employs focused beams of radiation energy to eradicate cancer cells
This treatment utilizes an array of drugs to combat cancer.
Most patients need an average stay of 4 days for minor surgery to 7 days in major surgeries. ICU stay is required for major surgery. Patients will have a feeding tube for maintaining nutrition during hospital stay.
These are treated with intra oral excision with out external cuts in face for access followed by reconstruction and neck dissection. In below example cheek cancer excised from mouth and defect covered with buccal fat pad .Neck dissection done
These requite major resection involving cheek skin and involved jaw bone and neck dissection called COMPOSITE RESECTION. The defect can be reconstructed with regional or free flaps.
Here after composite resection defect is reconstructed with ALT free flap. Bone also can be reconstructed in suitable patients .For info refer to jaw bone cancer section under oral cancers
Post operative case of cancer of buccal mucosa reconstructed with radial fore arm free flap.Patient has excellent mouth opening due to flap.
This enhances quality of life of patient.
It is around 1 lakh - 2 lakhs, sometimes vary on seriousness of the cancer.
By avoiding smoking, alcohol, and other tobacco products are the best ways to prevent Buccal Mucosa Cancer
2 weeks is the recovery period for Buccal mucosa cancer treatment but again it depends on the condition of the patient
Dr Rahul Buggaveeti is the best Buccal Mucosa Cancer doctor in Hyderabad
