Do you have spots like this on the inside of your cheek? Let's learn about (Buccal Mucosa Cancer)!

Have you ever wondered if a small sore or white spot inside your mouth, especially on the inside of your cheek, could be something dangerous? Sometimes we ignore it. However, if these things are not checked out properly, it could also be a cancer of the inside of your cheek (`Buccal Mucosa Cancer`) . Let's talk about this in a little more detail today, because it is very important to be aware of this.

What is this cancer on the inside of the cheek (Buccal Mucosa Cancer)?

Simply put, this is a cancer that develops in the soft tissue inside our mouth, the lining of our cheeks, called the mucous membrane . Doctors call this a type of cancer that occurs in the head and neck region.

Can you imagine, the inside of our cheeks extends from the lips to the last teeth at the back? That part is called the `buccal mucosa`. This is a very smooth, moist membrane . It is made up of several layers of tissue. Its main function is to help our mouths when we eat and chew. It also protects the inside of our mouths from toxic chemicals and infections in the things we eat and drink.

What types of this cancer are there?

The most common type of cancer that occurs on the inside of the cheek is called `Squamous cell carcinoma.` These `squamous` cells are a type of flat, thin cell found in the top layer of the skin. So, it is in these cells that this cancer first begins.

• `Carcinoma in situ` : This is an early stage where the cancer is still limited to the surface layer, meaning it has not spread deeper . If detected early, it is easier to treat.
• Invasive cancer : However, as the cancer progresses, it can spread to the underlying tissue layers and sometimes to other parts of the body . This is called metastatic cancer .

In addition to this `Squamous cell carcinoma`, there are other rare types of cancer. They are:

• Lymphoma : There are lymphoid cells in the lining of our mouth. Lymphoma occurs when these cells become cancerous .
• Mucosal melanoma : Just like melanoma, which occurs on our skin, this cancer can also occur in the pigment cells (melanocytes) inside the mouth.
• Verrucous carcinoma : This is a type of cancer that grows slowly but is relatively easy to treat . It may look like a cauliflower.

How common is this cancer?

Actually, `Buccal Mucosa Cancer` is a somewhat rare cancer.. However, when talking about oral cancers, this is also one part. According to the American Cancer Society, about 15,000 new cases of oral cancer are reported each year. This includes cancers of the cheek, teeth, gums, and palate, as well as cancers of the tongue.

The risk of developing this cancer generally increases with age . It is most common among people over the age of 40. Therefore, it is important to be aware of this as you age.

What are the symptoms of this cancer?

It is very important to recognize the symptoms at the earliest stage . If you have these symptoms in your mouth for more than two weeks, you should definitely see a doctor.

Early symptoms:

• Painful sores or ulcers inside the mouth, especially on the cheeks.
• The appearance of raised, white or red spots or patches .
• Persistent bleeding , especially after eating or brushing your teeth.

Symptoms that may occur if the cancer spreads:

If the cancer gets larger, or spreads to the tissues around the mouth or to the lymph nodes in the neck, symptoms such as:

• Bad breath.
• Feeling of difficulty opening the mouth.
• Teeth starting to loosen .
• A lymph node in the neck swells and feels like a lump .
• Tingling or numbness inside the mouth.
• Difficulty swallowing food (`Swallowing difficulties`).
• If the jaw area is swollen and you wear dentures, it feels like they don't fit properly in your mouth .

If you suddenly have one or more of these symptoms, don't panic. But, definitely see a doctor and get advice. Because the sooner you find out, the easier it is to treat.

What causes this cancer?

The main reason for the development of `Buccal Mucosa Cancer` is exposure to things that are harmful to our body . Let's see what those things are:

• Tobacco use: This includes smoking tobacco such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, as well as non-smoking tobacco (things used with chewing gum, chewing gum) . In our country, chewing gum is very common. One reason for this is the betel nut (`Betel nut`) that it contains. Betel nut is a stimulant that grows in Asia and Africa. People grind it into powder, wrap it in a leaf, and chew it.
• Excessive alcohol use: This risk is also higher for people who drink a lot of alcohol regularly.
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. Some strains of HPV can cause cancers of the genital area and the back of the throat. However, the extent to which it affects oral cancers, such as those of the cheeks, is not yet fully understood.

In addition to this, there are several other factors that increase the risk:

• Marijuana use.
• Poor oral hygiene.
• Unhealthy diet .

How is this cancer diagnosed?

Often, when you go to the dentist, the first thing they notice is a change in the inside of your cheek when they examine your mouth. If they suspect something is wrong, they will refer you to a specialist (healthcare provider) for further testing. These tests may include:

• Biopsy: This involves taking a small sample of tissue from a suspicious area and testing it in a lab . If a lump appears, a doctor may use a scalpel, punch tool, brush, or fine needle to take the sample. This is the only way to determine if it is cancerous.
• Imaging tests: Tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans can help your doctor get a better understanding of the tumor and see if the cancer has spread to other areas.

What are the grades and stages of this cancer?

The grade of a cancer is determined by the results of the biopsy, which looks at how different the cancer cells are from the surrounding healthy cells, and how they look and are structured.

• Well-differentiated cells: These are more similar to healthy tissue and therefore have a lower risk of spreading .
• Poorly differentiated cells: These are very different from healthy tissue and therefore have a higher risk of spreading .

The grades of cheek cancer are classified as follows:

• `GX`: Grade not assessed.
• `G1`: Well-defined.
• `G2`: Moderately differentiated.
• `G3` and `G4`: Poorly differentiated.

Cancer staging is a method doctors use to understand how serious the cancer is and how it should be treated. This is influenced by the following factors:

• Tumor size.
• Whether it has spread to the lymph nodes (`Lymph node involvement`).
• Whether it has spread to other parts of the body (`Metastasis`).

There are stages 1 to 4. Stage 1 (`Stage 1`)This means that the tumor is small, has not spread to the lymph nodes, and has not spread to other areas. In other stages, there may be various combinations of these factors.

How is this `Buccal Mucosa Cancer` treated?

Your doctor will create a treatment plan that is right for you based on your diagnosis, grade, and stage of cancer.

Surgery is usually the main treatment for this type of cancer. The surgeon tries to remove as much of the cancer as possible. During the operation, special techniques are used to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue and to preserve the function of the mouth.

After surgery, your doctor may recommend other treatments to prevent the cancer from coming back. These include:

• Radiation therapy: This involves using high-energy beams of radiation energy to destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Various types of drugs are used to treat cancer.

Can this cancer be prevented?

Yes, it really is possible! The most important things you can do to prevent the development of `Buccal Mucosa Cancer` are:

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Quitting smoking and using other tobacco products is a good idea, especially if you have a habit of chewing betel leaves.

Also, it is very important to go for regular dental checkups (`dental visits`) . Then, if there is any change in the mouth, it can be detected at an early stage . If so, it is very easy to treat.

What is the prognosis for this cancer?

Early detection is the most important thing in this type of cancer. The sooner you can detect it, the better your chances of survival. However, even with early detection, the chances of survival in this condition can sometimes be very low.

In one study of 30 patients with `Buccal Mucosa Cancer`, only 53% were alive five years after treatment. Also, about half had their cancer come back. But remember, this is a very small study . So it can't say for sure about your situation. Each person's situation can be different.

When should I see a doctor?

If you notice any sores, raised spots, or bleeding inside your mouth, especially on your cheeks, that have been present for more than two weeks , be sure to see your dentist or general practitioner. It could be something minor, but it's best to get it checked out.

Finally, take-home message:

`Buccal Mucosa Cancer` is a type of cancer that starts inside the mouth and can sometimes be life-threatening. Tobacco and alcohol use are the main risk factors for this.If you use tobacco or alcohol, ask your doctor for help in cutting down or quitting. He or she can provide you with programs and advice that will help you do so.

Early detection of this disease is crucial . Visit your dentist regularly. If you have symptoms that last more than two weeks, tell your doctor . If you have `Buccal Mucosa Cancer`, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan that will give you the best chance of recovery. Don't be afraid, be courageous.

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