Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Buccal Mucosa: A 40-Year Review

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the treatment results of buccal squamous cell carcinoma at a single institution during a 40-year period.

Method: A retrospective review was performed by examining the records and reviewing the pathology of 48 patients with buccal squamous cell carcinoma treated at UCLA Medical Center from 1970 to 2009. Forty-eight patients were identified that received first-time surgical therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa and had adequate follow-up.

Results: Treatment entailed surgery alone in 18 out of 48 patients (37.5%) and surgery followed by radiation therapy in 30 out of 48 patients (62.5%). Composite resection of the tumor was performed in 17 out of 48 patients (35.4%) and ipsilateral neck dissections were performed in 37 out of 48 patients (77.1%). One-year observed actuarial disease-free survival rates were 60%, 46%, 0%, and 40% for T1 through T4, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed increased age as a risk factor (P = .062), and multivariate analysis demonstrated age as a risk factor and performance of neck dissection having a decreased risk of recurrence (P = .029 and .023, respectively).

Conclusion: We report fairly high disease-free survival rates in this patient population. Performance of neck dissection and younger age were associated with a favorable prognosis. Performance of neck dissection may decrease the risk of recurrences in primary squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa.