Jaw tumors and cysts are relatively rare growths or lesions that develop in the jawbone or the soft tissues in the mouth and face. Jaw tumors and cysts, sometimes called odontogenic tumors and cysts, can vary greatly in size and severity. These growths are usually noncancerous (benign), but they can be aggressive and invade the surrounding bone and tissue and may displace teeth.
Multiple types of tumors, both benign and malignant, can appear in the mouth and jaw.
Tumors and cysts in the jaw often do not have symptoms. They are usually discovered during a routine X-ray. In some cases, however, swelling, bone pain, numbness, tenderness, and unexplained tooth mobility can be symptoms. Benign tumors and cysts can cause damage to surrounding bone and tissue.
Worrisome mouth ulcers, swellings and abnormally colored areas of the gums and lining tissues of the mouth may arise. Warning signs can include ulcers, white patches, mixed red and white patches, or red patches inside your mouth or on your lips. These patches can often become malignant.
A biopsy is commonly necessary to determine if the tumor is malignant or benign.
Typically, benign tumors and cysts of the jaw will need to be surgically removed, and in some cases, bone reconstruction of the area may be necessary.
Treatment of malignant tumors is dependent on the location and type of the tumor. Often times, treatment can be successful with either surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of the two.
Treatment options for jaw tumors and cysts vary, depending on the type of growth or lesion you have, the stage of growth, and your symptoms. Mouth, jaw and face (oral and maxillofacial) surgeons can treat your jaw tumor or cyst usually by surgery, or in some cases, by medical therapy or a combination of surgery and medical therapy.
surgery
Most jaw cysts are removed under a local anaesthetic, so you will usually be able to go home the same day. If the cyst is very large, however, you may need a general anaesthetic which means you’ll be asleep during the procedure. Your consultant will discuss this with you beforehand.
The cyst is removed through a small incision inside the mouth and the space that is left behind is cleaned out. If it is very large, or has caused damage, the surgeon may also remove some teeth, roots and a section of jawbone. Afterwards the cyst will be sent to a special pathologist for analysis.
The whole procedure usually takes up to 1 hour.