[The clinical picture, diagnosis and radiation treatment principles in cancer of the buccal mucosa].

Diagnosis and treatment of 228 patients with cancer of the buccal mucosa is analyzed. There were 130 women and 98 men aged 65 years on average. 218 were primary patients and 10 with relapses. Squamous-cell carcinomas with hornification predominated: 217 cases (95%). Adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in 8 (3.5%) and poorly differentiated cancer in 3 patients. Metastases to the regional lymph nodes were detected in 25% cases. For cosmetic reasons, radiotherapy (oral x-ray therapy, interstitial method, long-distance gamma beam therapy) was the method of choice.