Jaw Cancer Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Oral cancer is a deceptively common type of cancer. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), nearly 42,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or throat cancer each year. Because the condition can develop anywhere inside the mouth, it can also manifest itself on the jaw.

Cancer of the jaw can occur in the upper jaw, known as the maxilla; or the lower jaw, known as the mandible. If you experience any of the following symptoms of jaw cancer, be sure to seek an evaluation from your dentist.

A tumor is one explanation for jaw pain, and this pain can make it difficult for you to eat and chew. Jaw pain can develop for multiple reasons related to oral cancer, but it is one of the main symptoms associated with metastatic growths in the oral cavity, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Metastatic tumors develop when cancer in one part of the body spreads to another, such as the maxilla or jaw.

Lumps on the roof of your mouth or along the gum line may be the only jaw cancer symptoms you experience. These lumps can be a sign that cancer is developing in the jaw under the soft tissues of the mouth. If you notice a new lump inside your mouth and it doesn't resolve on its own in two weeks, you should see your dentist, advises the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Swelling in the jaw is the most common symptom of osteosarcoma, which the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology highlights as a type of bone tumor that can affect the jaw. This swelling can be visible on one side of the face, but it can also occur inside the mouth. The roof of your mouth may also be swollen or you may notice swelling under your teeth, depending on the location of the tumor. This inflammation is caused by tumor growth within the bone, and if it causes irritation of the gums, your dentist may recommend the use of an extra soft bristle toothbrush such as Colgate® 360 ° ® Enamel Health ™.

Tumors in the jaw can also cause unexplained tooth mobility, according to the Merck Manual. If you notice that your teeth are loose or that they change position suddenly, don't hesitate to tell your dentist. The mobility of the teeth may be due to a tumor in the jaw that is pushing the teeth out of place.

Pain, swelling, lumps in the jaw, and loose teeth are realistic symptoms of jaw cancer. If you experience any of them, be sure to see your dentist right away for a screening test for this treatable condition before it metastasizes.