Jaw Tumors Cysts

Jaw growths, like tumors and cysts, are uncommon. They're lumps that can form in the jawbone or the soft tissues around your mouth and face. Sometimes, these growths are called odontogenic or non-odontogenic, depending on where they start. They can be tiny or quite large, and their severity can vary.

Most often, these growths are not cancerous (benign). However, some can grow quickly and aggressively, potentially pushing on or damaging the surrounding bone, tissue, and teeth.

The best way to treat a jaw tumor or cyst depends on several things: what kind of growth it is, how advanced it is, and how it's affecting you. A surgeon who specializes in the mouth, jaw, and face (an oral and maxillofacial surgeon) will likely be involved in the treatment. Typically, surgery is used to remove the growth. In some cases, medical treatments like medication, or a combination of surgery and medicine, might be necessary.

Jaw Tumors and Cysts: Understanding the Different Types

Jaw tumors and cysts are abnormal growths in the jawbone. These growths can be either solid masses (tumors) or sacs filled with fluid or semi-solid material (cysts). Here's a breakdown of some common types:

Ameloblastoma: This uncommon tumor, usually not cancerous (benign), starts in the cells that make tooth enamel. It often forms near the molars in the jaw. A significant concern is that it can be quite aggressive, growing large and spreading into the jawbone. While surgery can help, there's a chance it might come back. More extensive surgery typically reduces the risk of recurrence.

Central Giant Cell Granuloma: These benign growths develop from bone cells. They frequently appear in the front part of the lower jaw. Some types are more aggressive, growing quickly, causing pain, and damaging bone. They also have a tendency to return after treatment. Less aggressive types might not have any noticeable symptoms. Rarely, the growth might go away on its own, but surgery is often necessary.

Dentigerous Cyst: This is the most common jaw cyst. It forms around unerupted teeth, most often wisdom teeth, but can also involve other teeth. The cyst develops from the tissue surrounding the tooth before it breaks through the gum.

Odontogenic Keratocyst (Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor): This cyst, also called a keratocystic odontogenic tumor, often comes back after surgery. While usually slow-growing, it can damage teeth and jawbone if left untreated for a long time. It commonly forms in the lower jaw near the wisdom teeth. This cyst can sometimes be linked to a genetic condition called nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.

Odontogenic Myxoma: This rare benign tumor is slow-growing but can become quite large and aggressively spread into the jaw and surrounding tissues, possibly displacing teeth. This tumor also has a tendency to return after treatment. Aggressive surgery is often recommended to reduce recurrence risk.

Odontoma: This is the most common type of benign odontogenic tumor. Odontomas often don't cause any symptoms but can sometimes interfere with the development or eruption of teeth. They are essentially extra dental tissue that forms around a tooth in the jaw. Odontomas might look like a strangely shaped tooth or a small or large calcified mass. Sometimes, these tumors are related to certain genetic syndromes.

Other Cysts and Tumors: There are many other types, including adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor, glandular odontogenic cyst, squamous odontogenic tumor, calcifying odontogenic cyst, cementoblastoma, aneurysmal bone cyst, ossifying fibroma, osteoblastoma, central odontogenic fibroma, and others.

When to See a Doctor: If you have any concerns about possible jaw cysts or tumors, talk to your primary care doctor or dentist. Many times, these growths don't cause symptoms and are discovered during routine X-rays for other reasons. If a jaw cyst or tumor is suspected, your doctor can refer you to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

If you're worried about a possible jaw tumor or cyst, it's important to talk to your doctor or dentist. Sometimes, these problems don't cause any noticeable symptoms. Instead, they might be found during a regular X-ray taken for something else entirely. If a jaw tumor or cyst is suspected or diagnosed, your doctor can send you to a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.