Buccal Mucosa or Cheek Cancer

Buccal Mucosa or Cheek Cancer

Cancer Of The Buccal Mucosa Or Cheek

Cancer of the cheek or buccal mucosa is common in India due to high incidence of gutka & paan chewing and tobacco consumption. Poor oral hygiene with sharp teeth also causes cheek cancer.

The common presentation in early cases is a painless ulcer in the cheek. In later stages there are neck glands or nodes associated with this cheek ulcer.

Surgery is the main treatment in early buccal mucosa cancers. In advanced but operable cases the treatment is surgery followed by radiation.

Chemotherapy is usually used as a palliation or to shrink disease to make surgery feasible.