Anatomy and Spread of Gingivobuccal Cancers.

Gingivobuccal cancers affect anatomically distinct yet confluent areas each varying in its ability to resist oncologic spread. Barriers such as periosteum and bone provide greater degree of resistance when compared to buccinator and buccal fat. Involvement of dentition and presence of potential spaces along the mandible and maxilla provide avenues of spread that may result in extensive defects with substantial functional sequalae following tumor extirpation. Owing to the complex 3-dimensional anatomy with varying tissue types preoperative imaging is of utmost importance in surgical planning to ensure negative margin resection.