Diagnosis
To gather more information about your jaw tumor or cyst, your health care provider may recommend tests prior to treatment. These tests may include:
- Imaging studies, such as X-ray, CT or MRI
- A biopsy to remove a sample of tumor or cyst cells for laboratory analysis
Your health care provider uses this information to put together a treatment plan that's best for you and the most effective option for treating your tumor or cyst.
Treatment
Treatment options for jaw tumors and cysts vary, depending on the type of lesion you have, the lesion's stage of growth and your symptoms. Your treatment team also considers your treatment goals and your personal preferences when making a treatment recommendation.
Treatment of jaw tumors and cysts generally involves surgical care. In some cases, treatment may be medical therapy or a combination of surgery and medical therapy.
During surgery, your surgeon removes your jaw tumor or cyst, which may include removing nearby teeth, tissue and jawbone, and sends it to the lab for examination. A pathologist examines the removed tissue and reports a diagnosis during the procedure so that the surgeon can act on this information immediately.
Other treatments may include:
- Reconstruction of the jawbone or other structures
- Medical therapy for certain types of jaw tumors and cysts
- Supportive care to help maintain your quality of life, including assisting with nutrition, speech and swallowing, and replacements for missing teeth
Long-term follow-up exams after treatment can address any recurrence of jaw tumors and cysts. Identifying recurrence early is important so they can be treated appropriately.