Jaw tumors and jaw cysts are lesions seen in the jawbone and soft tissues. Sizes, types and severity may vary. When you notice a mass formation in the jaw area or encounter other symptoms of a jaw tumor, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

What is a Jaw Tumor?

Jaw cysts and tumors are lesions that occur in the mouth and face sites. They grow and develop in soft tissues. The types of jaw tumors are “odontogenic” and “non-odontogenic”. These growths are usually not malignant, that is, they do not have a cancerous nature. However, they can show an aggressive development. This can deform the bones, tissues and even teeth in and around the relevant area. Jaw tumor treatment methods are also determined according to the characteristics of the mass. Of course, the final decision is made as a result of the examination and medical tests.

What are the Symptoms of Jaw Tumor?

Before giving detailed information about the symptoms of a jaw tumor, it should be noted that the word "tumor" means an abnormal growth of the tissues. Cysts are lesions that contain fluid in them. The causes of jaw tumors, such as ameloblastoma, dentigerous cyst, and odontogenic myxoma also vary and they all are different from each other in various manners. Dental surgery failures, problematic dental prosthesis, smoking and alcohol use, harmful sun rays, untreated severe tooth inflammations... At this point, it would be useful to give information about the symptoms of jaw cancer.

Jaw cancer symptoms:

• Swelling of the chin and palate,
• Mass in the jaw,
• Loosing of teeth,
• Pain around the jaw,
• Swallowing difficulties,
• Sensation lost.

Jaw Tumor Treatment

Like tumors, treatment methods for jaw tumors also vary. After the examination of general health status, pathological tests are run to understand the type of tumor. Whether the tumor is malignant or not is identified and then the treatment method is determined according to those results. For non-malignant tumors, the solution is mostly a surgical operation. The tumor is removed and if there is an area that is damaged, these sites are tried to be fixed.

Malignant jaw tumors, on the other hand, require more extensive examination and treatment procedure. The location, stage, spread, and destruction of the cancerous jaw tumor are examined. In malignant tumors at the first stage, methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy can be applied to the patient.

Jaw Tumor Healing Process

After jaw tumor surgery, it is essential to follow the doctor's instructions. The patient should take the prescribed drugs in order. Things to consider during the healing phase of jaw tumor:

• The regular medical dressing is worn for a certain period of time.
• It is necessary to protect the chin area.
• The patient should take care of oral hygiene.
• The patient should be careful while brushing her / his teeth.

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