Tumors of the Buccal and Labial Mucosa

Abstract

By far the most common “tumor” arising in the labial and buccal mucosa is the fibroepithelial lesion or irritation fibroma. The next most common is the mucocele. Neither is a true neoplasm. The most common oral malignancy affecting this area is squamous cell carcinoma. It seldom arises as a primary lesion of the labial mucosa but has its origin on the vermillion area and extends to the mucosal surface. Buccal mucosal carcinoma metastasizes more widely than carcinoma of the lower lip and its prognosis becomes poorer as it extends toward the oral pharynx.