Squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa: Analysis of clinical presentation, outcome and prognostic factors

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the buccal mucosa is a common malignancy in Southeast Asia. The purpose of this study was to present our clinical experience with buccal SCC over a period of 7 years and to analyze the factors associated with surgical outcome. We conducted a retrospective review on 67 buccal SCC patients (between September, 2005 and May, 2011) with tumors restricted to or originating from the buccal mucosa. In a univariate model, nodal stage, degree of tumor differentiation and composite resection were associated with recurrence, while in a multivariate model, the degree of differentiation was the only factor affecting locoregional control. In a survival analysis, recurrence, nodal stage and degree of differentiation were considered as significant factors. Buccal SCC is an aggressive malignant tumor and the degree of differentiation is the most significant factor affecting prognosis and survival. An adequate systemic treatment is required in the case of poorly differentiated tumors. Neck dissection (ND) exerts a positive effect on the locoregional control of buccal SCC staged as cT1-2N0. In the case of identification of positive lymph nodes during surgery, postoperative radiation is recommended in order to improve locoregional control.