Tumour of Jaw Bones

A tumor of the jaw bones refers to an abnormal growth that develops in the bones of the upper jaw (maxilla) or the lower jaw (mandible). Jawbone tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may arise from various types of tissues, including bone, cartilage, or soft tissues in and around the jaw.

Causes and Risk Factors:

• Genetic Factors: Some jaw tumors, such as ameloblastomas, may be linked to genetic mutations or inherited conditions.
• Dental Infections: Chronic dental infections or abscesses can sometimes be associated with certain types of jawbone lesions or tumors.
• Trauma: Past trauma to the jaw, such as fractures or injuries, may be linked to certain types of bone tumors.
• Radiation Exposure: Previous exposure to radiation therapy in the head and neck area can increase the risk of bone cancers, including osteosarcoma.
• Paget’s Disease of Bone: This condition, which affects how bones regenerate, can increase the likelihood of bone tumors.

Symptoms:

• Swelling or Lump: A visible or palpable mass in the jaw or inside the mouth.
• Pain or Tenderness: Persistent jaw pain that may worsen over time, especially if the tumor is malignant.
• Loose Teeth: Tumors can affect the bone structure, leading to the loosening of teeth without any obvious dental cause.
• Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: A growing tumor can interfere with the normal function of the jaw.
• Numbness or Tingling: A tumor pressing on nerves in the jaw may cause facial numbness or tingling.
• Facial Asymmetry: Swelling or tumor growth may cause visible changes in the shape of the face.

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and whether the tumor is benign or malignant.

• Surgery:
  Resection: For benign tumors like ameloblastomas or ossifying fibromas, surgical removal of the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue is common.
  Maxillectomy or Mandibulectomy: In cases of malignant tumors, part of the upper or lower jaw may need to be removed.
  Reconstructive Surgery: After removing large sections of the jaw, reconstructive surgery with bone grafts or dental implants may be necessary to restore function and appearance.
• Radiation Therapy: Malignant tumors like osteosarcoma or Ewing’s sarcoma may be treated with radiation to destroy cancer cells or shrink the tumor before surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Often used for malignant tumors, particularly aggressive cancers like osteosarcoma or Ewing’s sarcoma, chemotherapy can help shrink the tumor and prevent it from spreading.
• Regular Monitoring: For benign tumors that are slow-growing or asymptomatic, regular monitoring may be recommended instead of immediate treatment.