Buccal Mucosa

After the tongue, the buccal mucosa also known as the inner cheek is the most common site for cancers in the oral cavity. These are mainly a result of chronic tobacco based compound consumption and chronic trauma due to sharp crooked teeth.

Precancerous lesions such as leukoplakia and erythroplakia are also common in the region. Treatment mainly consists of surgery in the form of laser excision or electrocautery excision of the patch under suspicion. The main lesions in the buccal mucosa are squamous cell cancers which require radical excision with flap reconstruction. Adjuvant radiation with or without chemotherapy may also be needed. Extensive lesions may require removal of the lower jaw, the upper jaw or sometimes the skin of the cheek depending on its extent.