10 Jaw Cancer Symptoms

By somerset

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Rivera, César. 'Essentials of oral cancer.' _International journal of clinical and experimental pathology_ vol. 8,9 11884-9 4: 1 Sep. 2015
• 2. 'Oral Cancer.' _National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research_, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, July 2018, www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-cancer/more-info.
• 3. 'Jaw Tumors and Cysts.' _Mayo Clinic_, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 Dec. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jaw-tumors-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20350973.
• 4. Scully, C, and S Porter. 'Oral cancer.' _The Western journal of medicine_ vol. 174,5 (2001): 348-5 1: doi:10.1136/ewjm.174.5.348
• 5. Aerden, Thomas et al. 'Numb chin syndrome as a sign of mandibular metastasis: A case report.' _International journal of surgery case reports_ vol. 31 (2017): 68-7 1: doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2017.01.001
• 6. 'Changes in Your Speech.' _Changes in Your Speech | Mouth Cancer | Cancer Research UK_, Cancer Research UK, 11 May 2018, www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mouth-cancer/living-with/changes-speech.

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Jaw cancer is a form of oral cancer. Oral cancers refer to any cancer that affects the lips and oral cavity, which includes the gums, teeth, front part of the tongue and the roof of the mouth. While oral cancer is one of the 10 most common types of cancer, the prognosis has not improved in recent years.¹Rivera, César. ‘Essentials of oral cancer.’ International journal of clinical and experimental pathology vol. 8,9 11884-9 4: 1 Sep. 2015

Symptoms of jaw cancer are varied and can differ in pain and intensity. In many cases, symptoms may be absent or go unnoticed. Jaw cancer is dangerous if not detected and treated early due to its likelihood of metastasizing to the lymph nodes and other organs.

1. Jaw Pain

The first and most obvious symptom of jaw cancer is pain in the mandible or jaw bone. Pain can also occur in the upper palate, which is connected to the upper part of the jaw. This pain typically begins gradually and feels dull at the start. It gradually increases in severity over time if left untreated.

This pain can be caused by pressure from both benign and malignant tumors, as well as cysts. Cysts may form around a partially erupted wisdom tooth or as the result of an infection and can lead to the development of cancer.³‘Jaw Tumors and Cysts.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 Dec. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jaw-tumors-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20350973.