A retrospective analysis of squamous carcinoma of the buccal mucosa: an aggressive subsite within the oral cavity

Abstract

Purpose: Squamous carcinoma of the buccal mucosa is relatively uncommon in the North American population. It is considered an aggressive cancer, with difficulty in obtaining negative surgical margins and poor locoregional control. This single-institution retrospective analysis attempted to identify prognostic variables, treatment outcomes, and survival patterns of patients with buccal carcinoma.

Materials and methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients with buccal carcinoma treated in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Maryland from 1992 through 2008 was conducted. Thirty newly diagnosed and previously untreated patients were reviewed and their outcomes data were analyzed.

Results: Thirteen female and 17 male patients were identified (mean age, 64 yr). Eighteen patients had early-stage disease (stages I to II). Fifteen patients (50%) developed recurrence, with 13 patients developing local recurrence despite 80% of patients achieving negative surgical margins. The overall nodal metastasis rate was 43%, with an occult nodal rate of 32%. Overall 2- and 5-year survival rates were 69% and 53%, respectively. Thirty-nine percent of patients not receiving adjuvant therapy developed recurrence. Early recurrence tended to occur more commonly and was a poor prognostic indicator of successful salvage.

Conclusions: Buccal carcinoma is an aggressive disease, with high rates of locoregional disease recurrence independent of surgical margin status. Elective neck dissection and adjuvant therapy should be considered for early-stage disease. Successful salvage is rare in cases of early recurrence.