Imaging in Gingivobuccal Cancers

The gingivobuccal space is a subsite of the oral cavity with strict anatomic boundaries. Although squamous cell carcinoma related to tobacco use is the most common malignant tumor occurring in this area, minor salivary gland tumors and sarcomas can also occur. Malignant lesions of this space have a less favorable prognosis than other subsites of the oral cavity. Tumors arising within the gingivobuccal space have unique patterns of invasion of adjacent anatomy, submucosal spread, invasion of the infratemporal fossa and skull base, perineural spread, and nodal metastasis. Appropriate treatment requires accurate staging utilizing physical examination findings and imaging.