Squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa. A review of 85 cases.

Of 85 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa, 61 were treated primarily and 24 secondarily. Sixty-one percent (39) were T3 lesions, and 59% (38) had regional metastases. Nearly half of the patients were more than 70 years of age. Thirty-one percent (19) of the primary patients were treated by surgery alone, 25% (15) by irradiation alone, and 36% (22) by various combinations. The absolute five-year cure rate was 45% for the whole group, and 54% for the primarily and 40% for the secondarily treated patients. For each individual T and N category, the results of surgery were superior over those of radiotherapy. Intra-arterial chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy is to be considered in advanced cases, where composite resection on general grounds is not contemplated. There was a 14% incidence of second primary cancers; these were mainly located in the oral cavity.