Jaw cancer symptoms you should know

Jaw cancer is a rare but serious condition that can affect anyone. Identifying the condition early is essential for achieving effective treatment outcomes. In this article, Zextrasure will explore jaw cancer symptoms to help identify them as early as possible and take appropriate treatment measures to protect your health effectively.

1. What is jaw cancer?

Before exploring the jaw cancer symptoms, you need to understand what jaw cancer is. Jaw cancer is a rare type of oral cancer. In most cases, when cancer is detected in the jaw, it originates elsewhere in the mouth, such as the tongue, salivary glands, or the hard or soft palate, and later spreads to the jawbone. However, in uncommon situations, malignant (cancerous) tumors can develop directly within the jawbone or from odontogenic tissue, which plays a role in forming teeth.

Unlike benign jaw cysts or tumors, malignant jaw tumors are dangerous because they can spread beyond the mouth to other parts of the body. If you notice symptoms of jaw cancer, consulting a healthcare professional immediately is essential, as some tumors can be successfully treated through early surgical intervention.

Jaw cancer is diagnosed about twice as often in individuals assigned male at birth compared to those assigned female at birth. It is also more common among white individuals than Black individuals, with the average age of diagnosis being 64. Around 20% of cases involve people younger than 55.

Types of jaw cancer include:

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
• Ameloblastic carcinoma
• Primary intraosseous carcinoma
• Sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma
• Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma
• Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma
• Odontogenic carcinosarcoma
• Odontogenic sarcomas

Before exploring the jaw cancer symptoms, you need to understand what jaw cancer is

2. How do you know if you have jaw cancer?

A systematic review from 2021 revealed that 28.8% of individuals with jaw cancer experience noticeable symptoms. On average, it took 14.8 months of persistent symptoms for patients to receive a diagnosis, emphasizing the need for early detection. Common jaw cancer symptoms reported include:

• Jaw Pain: Though often associated with TMJ disorder, persistent jaw pain should be evaluated by a dental professional to rule out oral cancer. In rare cases, aggressive tumors can spread to nearby bones and tissues, leading to tooth displacement and significant discomfort.
• Jaw Swelling: One of the jaw cancer symptoms that may be visible is swelling on one side of the face, the roof of the mouth, or beneath the teeth, depending on the tumor's location.
• Lumps on the Jaw: The appearance of lumps on the gums, roof of the mouth, or jaw that persist for more than two weeks should be examined. While lumps may result from infections or benign conditions, they can also signify jawbone cancer.
• Loose Teeth: Squamous cell carcinoma, the most common malignant jaw cancer, often reaches the jawbone through tooth sockets. Tumors can displace teeth, causing them to loosen. Any unexpected tooth mobility warrants immediate attention.

If you notice the jaw cancer symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, consult a healthcare or dental professional promptly. Early evaluation and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

The jaw cancer symptoms are manifested and can be directly observed

3. What causes jaw cancer?

Knowing the jaw cancer symptoms, it is also important to understand the causes behind its development. DNA mutations, or changes in the genetic code, can disrupt how cells grow and divide. Normally, DNA provides instructions that tell cells when to stop growing, but when these instructions are flawed, cells can malfunction and form tumors. Scientists are still studying the specific DNA alterations that lead to the various tumor types linked to jaw cancer.

In some cases, jaw cancer develops when a benign (noncancerous) jaw cyst or tumor becomes malignant. However, most benign growths in the jaw remain harmless. Healthcare providers often monitor these cysts and tumors closely to identify any potential risks early.

Several factors may increase your risk of developing jaw cancer, including:

• Age: People aged 55 and older are at the highest risk.
• Sex: Men and individuals assigned male at birth are more likely to be diagnosed with jaw cancer.
• Tobacco use: Tobacco is the leading risk factor for jaw cancer. It contains over 60 harmful chemicals that can trigger cancer development. Even exposure to secondhand smoke increases your risk.
• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol use is a major contributor to head and neck cancers. When combined with tobacco use, the risk of oral cancer increases 30-fold. 
• HPV Infection: Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, are associated with a higher risk of oral cancers. The number of oral cancer cases linked to HPV is increasing.
• Family history: Having a close biological relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child, with oral cancer increases your likelihood of developing the disease.

Jaw cancer develops when a benign jaw cyst or tumor becomes malignant

See other:

• The truth about mandibular tori cancer that you should know

• Can bone marrow edema be cancer?

4. Diagnosis and Tests

Individuals with jaw cancer often notice swelling, an ulcer in the jaw area, or suddenly lose teeth, leading them to consult a dentist. In some cases, however, the tumor is detected unexpectedly during an X-ray, even when no prior symptoms are present.

If jaw cancer is suspected, the dentist typically refers the patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgery specialist for further evaluation. Diagnosis begins with a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken from the affected area and analyzed in a lab. This procedure allows specialists to confirm if the tumor is malignant and identify its specific type.

During the biopsy, a needle is inserted into the jawbone to extract the tissue sample. The process is done under local anesthesia to ensure the area is numb, and the wound is sutured afterward to aid healing.

When jaw cancer symptoms are present, additional imaging tests will need to be conducted to determine its progression and spread. These tests may include:

• X-rays: To examine the upper and lower jaw.
• Ultrasound: To check for abnormalities in the lymph nodes.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans: To obtain detailed images of the jaw and surrounding structures.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans: To evaluate soft tissues and detect tumor spread.

The results of these tests help classify the tumor based on critical factors such as its size, invasion into nearby tissues, lymph node involvement, and whether it has metastasized to distant parts of the body. This classification is essential for determining the most effective treatment plan.

Individuals with jaw cancer often notice swelling, an ulcer in the jaw area, or suddenly lose teeth

5. Treatment jaw cancer

Most individuals diagnosed with jaw cancer will require surgery to remove the tumor. In many cases, surgery may also involve removing tissue surrounding the jaw to ensure all cancerous cells are eliminated. The types of surgeries commonly performed for jaw cancer include:

• Mandibulectomy: This procedure involves removing a section of the lower jawbone. A partial mandibulectomy targets a smaller portion, while a segmental mandibulectomy removes a larger area.
• Maxillectomy: This surgery removes part or all of the upper jawbone.

Surgeons aim to remove enough tissue to eliminate the cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. However, some surgeries may result in changes in appearance. If this happens, reconstructive options such as jaw reconstruction or dental implants may be recommended to restore function and appearance.

Recognizing jaw cancer symptoms early will lead to more effective treatment

In addition to surgery, other treatments may be necessary depending on the type and stage of jaw cancer:

• Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams are directed at the tumor to shrink or destroy it. Radiation may be used as the primary treatment for individuals unable to undergo surgery or as a follow-up treatment to target any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
• Chemotherapy: While less common for jaw cancer, chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is typically combined with radiation therapy for more aggressive treatment after surgery.
• Palliative Care: Focused on improving quality of life, palliative care helps manage symptoms and the side effects of treatments. It can benefit patients with a positive prognosis as well as those receiving hospice care. Consult your healthcare provider to explore available palliative care options tailored to your needs.

Understanding the jaw cancer symptoms is crucial, as it allows you to take prompt action, seek timely medical advice, and plan for effective treatment. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life. If you notice any unusual changes in your jaw or oral health, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider.