1. What are the early symptoms of buccal mucosal cancer?
Early buccal mucosal cancer presents as white patches, red patches, or persistent ulcers on the cheek mucosa, sometimes with pain or a foreign body sensation. Lumps, surface necrosis and bleeding, and restricted mouth opening occur.
2. What causes buccal mucosal cancer?
Main risk factors include long-term betel nut chewing, smoking, drinking, poor oral hygiene, and chronic irritation from sharp residual tooth roots or poorly fitted restorations.
3. What types of buccal mucosal cancer surgery are available?
Early buccal mucosal cancer may be treated with wide local excision. Larger tumors require removal of some cheek tissue followed by flap reconstruction. Mandibular invasion requires partial jaw resection as well.
4. What is minimally invasive treatment for buccal mucosal cancer?
Early superficial buccal mucosal cancer can be locally excised with endoscopic assistance or through the mouth, causing less trauma. Photodynamic therapy uses a photosensitizer and laser to destroy early cancer lesions.
5. Why is reconstruction needed after buccal mucosal cancer surgery?
Cheek defects affect facial appearance, mouth opening, and eating. Flap transplantation is the main reconstructive method, using options such as forearm or anterolateral thigh flaps to repair larger defects.
6. How is advanced buccal mucosal cancer treated?
Advanced buccal mucosal cancer is treated with surgery combined with chemoradiotherapy. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy reduces recurrence. Chemoradiotherapy is used for patients unable to undergo surgery or with positive margins.
7. What care is needed after buccal mucosal cancer treatment?
Keep the mouth clean after surgery and use mouthwash to prevent infection. Gradually resume a normal diet, progressing from liquids to semiliquids and then regular food. Continue mouth-opening exercises to prevent scar contracture.
