Carcinoma Buccal Mucosa

What is Carcinoma Buccal Mucosa?

Buccal mucosa is the lining of the cheeks and the back of the lips, inside where they touch the teeth. Development of cancer cells or tumour in this area leads to carcinoma buccal mucosa, which is a type of oral cancer. It generally starts in the squamous cells that are thin and flat, and line the lips and the mouth. It is easy to cure carcinoma buccal mucosa, if diagnosed at an early stage. This type of cancer is mostly prevalent amongst men. It is essential to treat it immediately, or it can spread to the mouth, tongue, and other distant body parts. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the easier it is to completely remove it.

Symptoms

The symptoms and signs of carcinoma buccal mucosa are:

  • Red or white lump, or patches in the mouth or cheek lining.
  • A sore or lesion in the mouth prone to bleeding.
  • A lump or any kind of thick formation in the mouth.
  • Pain while eating and drinking.
  • Persistent sore throat and hoarseness.
  • Discomfort or difficulty in swallowing or chewing.
  • Pain in the ear.
  • Difficulty in movement of the tongue or jaw.
  • Numbness of tongue.
  • Swollen jaws.

Causes

Some common causes of carcinoma buccal mucosa are:

  • Consumption of tobacco.
  • Excessive intake of alcohol.
  • Weak immune system.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV).

Risks

Some common risks of carcinoma buccal mucosa are:

  • Xerostomia.
  • Skin reaction.
  • Mucositis.
  • Wound breakdown.
  • Dysgeusia.
  • Hypothyroidism.
  • Spinal cord myelitis.

Prevention

Following are some method that can be used to prevent the disease:

  • Alcohol control.
  • Sexual hygiene.
  • No smoking and tobacco intake.
  • Good oral hygiene.
  • Healthy diet.

How is it diagnosed?

The first step of diagnosis is a general physical examination of the affected and nearby areas. Diagnosis also includes an understanding of the patient’s past illnesses, a general health examinat...

How is it treated?

The treatment for carcinoma buccal mucosa depends upon the stage of cancer. Sometimes one or multiple treatments may be required to completely remove and reduce the risks of cancer from spreading or returning. The most common treatments for carcin..

  • Surgery

    If the cancer tumour is small, it may be easily removed through surgery. For larger cancer tumours, a combination of surgery and radiotherapy is generally the most effective. The most effective treatment can only be decided upon understanding the exact stage of cancer, size of the tumour, and the location of it. 

  • Radiotherapy

    Radiotherapy helps remove any cancer cells that may have been left. It is the process of using high energy X-rays to completely destroy the cancer cells. It is a primary treatment and is used to relieve the symptoms, in case a surgery cannot be carried out, or post-surgery to reduce the recurrence of cancer.

When do I contact the doctor?

If you are facing the above mentioned symptoms or medical conditions, contact a doctor immediately.

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