Management of buccal space masses

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Head and Neck Pathology
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• Buccal space lesions present diagnostic and management challenges.
• Understanding the anatomy of the buccal space is crucial for evaluation.
• Differential diagnosis often requires advanced imaging and procedures.

Observation:

• Clinical presentation and imaging may suggest etiology but are often inconclusive.
• Definitive diagnosis of buccal space masses frequently necessitates surgical excision and histologic examination.
• Surgical approach depends on lesion location and suspicion of malignancy.

Findings:

• The preauricular, submandibular approach is favored for most buccal space lesions.
• Five case reports illustrate diagnostic and management strategies.
• Histologic evaluation remains the gold standard for buccal space mass diagnosis.

Implications:

• Optimal surgical approach is key for effective management of buccal space masses.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital for patient outcomes.
• Further research into non-invasive diagnostic methods could improve patient care.