Surgical management of the mass in the buccal space

The discovery of a mass in the buccal space provides a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. A common approach for the removal of the mass in the buccal space has been through the oral cavity. However, there is an ever-present danger of injury to the facial nerve and Stensen's duct with this approach. Experience with tumors in this area prompted a review of the anatomy of the buccal space and resulted in an improvement in the surgical technique. Our external approach through an extended parotid-submandibular incision provides excellent exposure which minimizes the risk of complications during excision of these tumors and provides an excellent cosmetic result.