Inner cheek cancer, also known as buccal mucosa cancer, is a type of head and neck cancer that develops when the inner cheek cells proliferate and form lesions or tumours, says a well-known cancer doctor in Kolkata.

Buccal mucosa refers to the inside lining of the cheeks. This cancer typically develops in the thin, flat cells known as squamous cells, which line the buccal mucosa and other areas of the mouth. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer in the inner cheek. 

Few studies in India have reported 5-year survival rates for buccal mucosa cancers ranging from 80% for Stage 1 disease to 5% -20% for locally advanced disease.

Tobacco usage and excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of developing buccal mucosa cancer. Dentists are often the first to detect signs of buccal mucosa cancer during a routine dental check-up.

cancer doctor in kolkata

 

Common Buccal Mucosa Cancer Symptoms

Common buccal mucosa cancer symptoms may include the following:

• Red, white, or dark patches in the mouth

• Lump inside cheek tissue

• Mouth pain or numbness

• Soreness or the sensation that something is stuck in your throat

• Trouble moving your jaw

• Excruciating ear pain

• Hoarseness

• Loose teeth or pain in the mouth

• Dentures that don't fit anymore

• Jaw ache or swelling

Buccal mucosa cancer treatment

When detected early, buccal mucosa cancer is highly curable. Surgery accomplished by a head and neck cancer surgeon is frequently used in treatment, says the oncologist in Kolkata.

The following are the treatment goals for buccal mucosa cancer:

• Cure the cancer

• Keep your appearance and mouth functions intact

• Keep cancer from returning

The extent and depth of buccal mucosa cancer determines your treatment plan. If cancer has progressed, radiation, chemotherapy, or both may be used to shrink the tumour before or after surgery to lower the risk of recurrence. Radiation therapy may be the only option for some patients, says the cancer surgeon in Kolkata.