Buccal Space Lesions: A New Classification Based on CT and MR Imaging Findings

Purpose: To present a new classification based on the CT and MR imaging findings of buccal space lesions, and to propose guidelines for their radiologic differentiation. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two histopathologically confirmed or clinically diagnosed buccal space lesions were classified on the basis of their morphologic appearance and extension to adjacent space as either (1) a mass with a distinct margin, confined to the buccal space; (2) a mass with surrounding infiltration, confined to the buccal space; or (3) a multi-space occupying mass. Results: Type 1 included pleomorphic adenoma, ex-pleomorphic adenoma, carcinoma, B-cell lymphoma, acinic cell carcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, glomus tumor and ameloblastoma, and differentiation between malignant and benign neoplasms was not possible. Type 2 included adenoid cystic carcinoma, abscess, complicated dermoid cyst, and Kimura disease. T-cell lymphoma, neurofibroma, vascular malformation, inflammation, and foreign body granuloma pertained to type 3, and each type-3 entity showed different imaging characteristics. Conclusion: This new classification based on CT and MR imaging characteristics may provide useful guidelines for predicting the differential diagnosis of buccal space lesions.