Cancer of the jaw bone: Signs and additional information
Jaw bone cancer, also known as oral cancer, is a serious health concern that can affect the mandible (lower jaw bone) or maxilla (upper jaw bone). This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the common types of jaw bone cancer, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options.
Common Types of Jaw Bone Cancer
The most common types of jaw bone cancer include osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma invading the mandible, fibrosarcoma, giant cell tumor of bone, and ameloblastic carcinoma.
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor, which can affect the jawbone. Chondrosarcoma is a cancer of cartilage cells that can also involve the jaw. Ewing sarcoma is a type of bone cancer that can rarely affect the jawbone. Squamous cell carcinoma invading the mandible is a common oral cancer that may invade the jawbone. Fibrosarcoma is a malignant tumor derived from fibrous tissue in the bone. The giant cell tumor of bone, although typically benign, can be locally aggressive and sometimes classified under bone tumors. Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare malignant form of ameloblastoma, which is usually a benign tumor starting near tooth enamel but can become cancerous.
Risk Factors
Potential risk factors for oral and throat cancer include using tobacco, drinking alcohol, chewing betel quid or gutka, having HPV infection, being overweight, being over 55 years of age, and having poor nutrition. People who smoke and drink have 30 times the risk of developing cancers of the mouth than people who do not smoke or drink.
Symptoms
Symptoms of jaw cancer include swelling, burning or prickling sensations, fever, spasms in the muscles of the jaw, oral discharge, poor wound healing, and facial deformity.
Treatment
A surgeon may remove all or part of a person's upper or lower jaw bone if oral cancer has grown into the bone. In the case of the lower jaw bone, the removed part may be replaced with a piece of bone from another part of the person's body, a metal plate, or a piece of bone from a deceased donor. A person receiving jaw bone surgery will receive a special type of denture for the upper jaw bone to fill the hole left.
If jaw bone cancer returns or cannot be surgically removed, doctors may use chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Prevention
Steps to prevent cancers of the mouth include avoiding alcohol and tobacco, avoiding HPV infection, limiting UV exposure, maintaining a moderate weight and good nutrition, and having regular dental checkups and any precancerous growths removed.
Early Detection and Survival Rates
Early detection of mouth cancer can increase a person's chances of survival from 50% to 90%. The overall 5-year survival rate in people who have had their jaw bone cancer surgically removed is around 88%.
Ameloblastoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Ameloblastoma, while generally benign, is significant because it frequently involves the jaw bone near molars and can rarely transform into a malignant form known as ameloblastic carcinoma. In oral cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, cancer may begin in the gums and spread to the jawbone, necessitating partial or full removal of the jaw in advanced cases.
[1] Medical News Today. (2021). What is ameloblastoma? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322067
[2] American Cancer Society. (2021). What are the key statistics about oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
[3] Cancer Research UK. (2021). Oral cancer. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/types/oral-cancer
[4] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Ameloblastoma. https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/hp/ameloblastoma-treatment-pdq
[5] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Oral cancer. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20373191
- Osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, giant cell tumor of bone, ameloblastic carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma invading the mandible are all types of jaw bone cancer that fall under the broader category of medical-conditions related to cancer and health-and-wellness.
- Early detection can significantly improve the survival rates for oralcancers like squamous cell carcinoma, and maintaining good nutrition, regular dental checkups, and avoiding risk factors such as smoking, drinking, and having HPV infection are essential strategies for prevention and early detection.
