A cheek-splitting approach to posterior oral cancers Report of 3 Cases

Abstract

The cheek-splitting incision is strongly criticised in the literature because of the aesthetically unsatisfactory result. However, based on our clinical experience in selecting an approach to posterior oral cancer (3 cases), we can affirm that a careful, accurately chosen cheek incision site gives good access to lesions in the posterior oral cavity, with meticulous reconstruction, good healing of the scar is obtained without any functional impairment. For cosmetic reasons, the incision is most suitable in elderly patients with natural facial creases.
The incision is further useful when the oral cancer is located in the posterior oral cavity region and can be resected without elective neck dissection.