A growth within your jaw, or surrounding facial tissue can come in two forms. A tumour is an unwanted accumulation of tissue, a cyst is a lesion which contains fluid and at times, particles of bodily material.
Both can be categorised in two ways. Odontogenic tumours and cysts originate from cells, or tissues involved in tooth development, non odontogenic tumours and cysts develop from oral tissues not related to your teeth.
Cysts exist in the thin layers which form the outer covering of inner body surfaces, although the pressure which fills them can be drawn from below.
The mandible and maxilla (jawbones) are known for high cyst development. Causes include lip biting, smoking, or trauma, perhaps to the salivary glands, where disrupted saliva can be the base of a cyst.
Oral tumours form for a variety of genetic, or cellular reasons and if they originate locally, may be benign. Whilst developing direct cancerous growths is not unknown, many are secondary tumours, which spread from elsewhere.
Benign or not, any growth in your mouth should be taken seriously. A proportion can be aggressive, damaging surrounding bone and tissue, or displacing teeth.
Common Types
There are many types of cyst and a fair variety of tumours, some quite rare. Those mentioned below cover a good share of cases:
- Radicular Cysts – Perhaps the most common, which originate from a reaction to tissue dying within the dental pulp.
- Dentigerous Cyst – Quite prevalent and in most cases, appearing around the crown of a tooth which hasn’t broken through.
- Odontomas – A generic name for tumours made from dental tissue, which can look like a tooth and prevent natural growth.
- Ameloblastoma – A tumour which normally arises near the molars, non cancerous but can be invasive and cause damage.
- Granulomas – Also called giant cell granulomas, they can grow quickly, be quite painful and destroy local bone.
- Keratocysts – Technically a cyst, which can behave like an odontogenic tumor and regrow if not correctly removed.
- Gingival Cysts – A type of periodontal cyst, which originates in soft tissue, rather than parts of the dental lamina.
We could add forms of calcifying, or ossifying cyst, others of glandular origin, or growths related to squamous cell carcinoma. More importantly, solving the issues they bring is the prime requirement.
Removing Growths
You are welcome to read more on treatment for cysts and tumours. There will be times when medication suits, although surgery is often the solution.
Accurately identifying the type of growth is part of good diagnosis and of your consultant’s shared wish that a cure should be permanent. Certain oral cysts and tumours can reappear if not fully removed.
Our team are also aware of the facial pain cysts, or tumours can cause, along with the need to avoid this during and after treatment.
A minimalist approach to surgery will lead the way, preserving aesthetics and function, whilst ensuring that any type of growth ceases to be an issue.