Inner cheek cancer (also called buccal mucosa cancer) is a type of head and neck cancer that begins when the cells that make up the inner cheek grow out of control and form lesions or tumors. Buccal mucosa is another name for the inside lining of the cheeks.
These cancers usually occur in the thin, flat cells called squamous cells that line the buccal mucosa and other parts of the mouth. Inner cheek cancer is classified as squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer on the outer cheeks is considered skin cancer.
Using tobacco products and regularly drinking too much alcohol can increase your chances for developing cancer in the inner cheek. Dentists are typically the first to notice signs of inner cheek cancer, often during a routine dental exam.
