Jaw Tumors in the Inland Empire

What is a Jaw Tumor?

By virtue of Dr. Punjabi‘s dual board certifications in both Plastic Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery he is experienced, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat Jaw Tumors in the Inland Empire. A jaw tumor or cyst are growths that develop in the jawbone or within the soft tissues of an individual’s mouth or face. Jaw tumors or cysts are also known as odontogenic tumors and cysts which can vary in size and severity. While most often the jaw tumors or cysts are benign (noncancerous) they can be extremely uncomfortable and aggressively surround the jawbone and teeth and may eventually displace or shift teeth. The most 6 common types of jaw tumors and cysts include but are not limited to: Ameloblastoma, Central Giant Cell Granuloma, Dentigerous Cyst, Odontogenic Keratocyst, Odontogenic Myxoma, and Odontoma. 

Causes of Jaw Tumors and Cysts

Odontogenic jaw tumors and cysts originate from cells and tissues that are involved in natural normal tooth development. Nonodontogenic jaw tumors develop from other tissues within the jaws and are not always related to the teeth. While there are not many known causes of jaw tumors in the Inland Empire, jaw tumors can often be associated with genetic syndromes.

What to Watch For:

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs of the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:

  • Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth
  • A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
  • A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
  • Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
  • Swelling
  • Pain or Tenderness
  • Unexplained Tooth Mobility

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer or jaw tumors.

We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us at (909) 798-9950 so we may help.