Jaw Tumors and Cysts

Signs and Symptoms

Fortunately, changes inside the mouth are often easily seen and detected. If you notice something abnormal or new in your mouth, you should contact your doctor immediately. Signs and symptoms of jaw tumors and cysts include the following abnormalities, which are located in or around the jaws or structures of the teeth:

• Reddish patches, called erythroplasia
• Whitish patches, called leukoplakia
• A sore that does not heal and bleeds easily
• A lump or thickening of the tissues
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing

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.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on whether your tumor or cyst is benign or malignant. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer the full range of surgical techniques for pathologies of the jaw that aim to remove the tumor or cyst. In addition to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy also may be recommended for treatment if your tumor is cancerous.