Jaw Tumors and Cysts

Jaw Tumors and Cysts

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

When making a diagnosis of your jaw tumor or cyst, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will first start by asking about your medical history and conducting a thorough physical examination of your mouth, jaws and teeth.

Tests that are used to confirm a diagnosis include:

• Computed Tomography (CT) -- Also known as a CT scan, this test is a method of body imaging in which a thin X-ray beam rotates around the patient. A computer then analyzes the data to construct a cross-sectional image. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor or printed on film.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) -- An MRI of the head is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct clear, detailed pictures of brain tissues.

• Biopsy -- During this procedure, a small sample of your growth will be removed so that it can be studied under a microscope to help make a diagnosis and determine.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007