Management of buccal space masses.

Lesions in the substance of the cheek--the buccal space--may present diagnostic and management difficulties. The buccal space, that potential fascia space lying within the bulk of the cheek, is anatomically described. While the history and physical characteristics of the buccal mass and selected radiographic and special procedures may suggest a specific cause, the diagnosis is often elusive and requires removal of the mass for histologic evaluation. The surgical approach to a mass in the cheek is governed by its location within the buccal space and by the index of suspicion of malignancy. The preauricular, submandibular approach is the authors' choice for most buccal space lesions. Five case reports are presented to illustrate features in the diagnosis and management of a buccal space mass.