Jaw tumors are abnormal growths in the jawbone or the soft tissues of the mouth and face. These growths range from solid masses to fluid-filled sacs called cysts. While the prospect of a tumor is concerning, many are non-cancerous (benign). Benign growths can still expand and cause issues by displacing or damaging surrounding bone and teeth.
Types of Jaw Tumors
Jaw tumors are categorized by their origin and potential to spread. The main distinction is between benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors. Benign tumors do not spread, though some can be locally aggressive and grow into nearby tissues. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can metastasize, or spread, to distant parts of the body.
These growths are also classified as odontogenic or non-odontogenic. Odontogenic tumors arise from cells involved in tooth development. The most common is the odontoma, a benign tumor resembling a misshapen tooth. Ameloblastoma is another common odontogenic tumor that develops from the cells that form tooth enamel, often appearing near the molars.
Non-odontogenic tumors originate from other tissues in the jaw, such as bone cells. An example of a malignant non-odontogenic tumor is osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that can affect the jaw. Another benign lesion is the central giant cell granuloma, which occurs in the front part of the lower jaw. Squamous cell carcinoma, a soft tissue cancer, can also invade the jawbone.
Common Symptoms and Causes
Common symptoms of a jaw tumor can include:
- Persistent swelling of the face, palate, or jaw
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw
- A noticeable lump or mass in the jaw or mouth
- Teeth becoming loose for no apparent reason
- Numbness or a tingling sensation in the lower lip or chin
The specific cause of a jaw tumor is often unknown. For certain malignant tumors, tobacco use is a primary risk factor for oral cancers that can spread to the jaw. Excessive alcohol consumption also increases the risk, especially when combined with smoking.
Certain genetic syndromes can predispose an individual to developing tumors, although this is rare. Chronic inflammation in the mouth can also be a contributing factor. Many jaw tumors and cysts produce no early symptoms and are discovered incidentally during routine dental X-rays.
The Diagnostic Process
Diagnosing a jaw tumor begins with a clinical examination. A dentist or doctor inspects the mouth, face, and neck for abnormalities, inquires about symptoms, and reviews your personal and family medical history.
Following the physical exam, imaging tests are required for a clearer view. Standard dental X-rays are often the first step and can reveal tumors not otherwise visible. For more detailed images, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be ordered, which creates cross-sectional images of the bone and shows the tumor’s precise size and location. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also valuable for visualizing soft tissues.
A biopsy is the definitive diagnostic step. A small sample of the suspicious tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory for a pathologist to analyze. This analysis determines the tumor type and whether it is benign or malignant, which informs the treatment plan.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment depends on the tumor’s type, size, and location. For many benign tumors and cysts, surgical removal is the most effective treatment. The goal is to remove the growth while preserving as much healthy jawbone as possible.
One technique is curettage, which involves scooping the tumor from the bone, often followed by removing a thin layer of surrounding bone to reduce recurrence risk. For more aggressive or larger tumors, a resection, or removal of the affected jaw portion, may be necessary.
Surgery is also a primary treatment for malignant tumors, often involving a more extensive resection to ensure all cancerous cells are removed. This surgery may be combined with other therapies to destroy any remaining cancer cells and prevent spread. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells, while chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
Recovery and Jaw Reconstruction
Recovery after a smaller procedure like curettage may be quick, but for patients who undergo a resection, the process is more involved. In cases of significant bone removal, jaw reconstruction is often necessary to restore function and appearance. Surgeons may perform this at the same time as the tumor removal.
A common technique involves using a bone graft, where a piece of bone is taken from another part of the patient’s body—such as the leg, hip, or back—and used to rebuild the jaw. This transplanted bone, known as a free flap, includes its own blood supply to help it heal in its new location.
Once the jawbone has healed, dental implants can be placed into the reconstructed jaw to support prosthetic teeth. Physical therapy may also be part of the recovery process to regain full jaw movement. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and check for tumor recurrence.