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Jaw Cysts and Tumours

Jaw Cysts and Tumours - What it is

What are Jaw Cysts and Tumours?


Jaw cysts and tumours can develop in the upper or lower jaw bone and can affect anyone from children to adults. Cysts and tumours can develop as a single lesion or as multiple lesions in the upper and lower jaws.

They usually go unnoticed when they are small but some might progress to significant swelling of the jaws which then prompt patients to seek consultation. Because of their generally slow growth, most cases are discovered through x-rays either during routine checks or during investigation of other problems in the jaws.

Jaw Cysts and Tumours - Symptoms

Below are some of the signs and symptoms that might occur with jaw cysts and tumours:

  • Swelling of the jaw
  • Pain from the jaw (infection in cysts and tumours)
  • Numbness of lower lips and chin
  • Numbness of anterior part of the tongue
  • Difficulty in biting or chewing
  • Facial deformities

Jaw Cysts and Tumours - How to prevent?

Jaw Cysts and Tumours - Causes and Risk Factors

Causes of Jaw Cysts and Tumours

The lesions can arise from odontogenic (tooth related) or nonodontogenic causes. Most lesions are developmental but some of the multiple lesion types can be hereditary in nature.

Jaw Cysts and Tumours - Diagnosis

A biopsy (whereby a sample of the tissue is taken for study) is usually indicated for accurate diagnosis of the lesions.

X-rays and CT scans can be used to assess the severity of jaw cysts and tumours.

Jaw Cysts and Tumours - Treatments

Treatment of jaw cysts and tumours usually require a surgery for removal. The surgery can range from simple removal of the lesion and/or part of the jawbone which will require reconstruction (refer to Head & Neck Reconstruction). Treatment might be indicated for the teeth involved in the form of extractions or root canal treatment.

Jaw Cysts and Tumours - Preparing for surgery

Jaw Cysts and Tumours - Post-surgery care

Jaw Cysts and Tumours - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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