Tumors can be benign or malignant. The first type moderately affects human life. It has not been manifested for years, but still causes imperceptible harm. Malignant tumors develop quite quickly and are able to pass not only to nearby organs, but also to those that are far enough away. This happens due to metastasis. If you do not resort to treatment, a person may die.
When a tumor forms on the jaw, the main thing is to identify in time what tumor it is. In 4% of all cases of such a problem, jaw osteoma is diagnosed. Such an education is benign. It is considered a complex pathology. In order to be cured? it is necessary to resort to complex therapy. Typically, a patient is assigned to several doctors of different specializations at once. Requires the intervention of a dentist, oncologist, surgeon. In the event of complications, it is necessary to resort to the help of a neurosurgeon, otolaryngologist and eye specialist.
Description of the problem
This problem does not apply to odontogenic pathology. In other words, it is not a complication of dental diseases. A neoplasm can form on the tissue of the jaw. May affect both one and the second bone. Most often, osteoma of the jaw is diagnosed in adults.
The problem is divided into several types depending on the nature.
- There is a central osteoma. It is located deep in the bone tissue.
- Peripheral is also known. It is usually located on the edge. In a different way, such formations are called exostases.
The tumor grows slowly. Almost all patients do not cause pain. If the education is in the center, then the patient has no complaints related to him. As a rule, in such cases, the osteoma of the jaw is found completely by accident. For example, during a routine examination or in the treatment of other diseases.
Osteoma forms on mature tissues. The structure of education can be either compact or spongy. Over time, the tumor grows to a decent size. Because of this, various neurological problems arise. If the tumor is located on the condylar process, then among the consequences, a violation of the functions of the lower jaw can be distinguished. Also, sometimes the problem leads to complications from the eye and nose. If the tumor has grown to large sizes, then the face may be deformed.
Varieties of pathology
Osteoma of the jaw differs in structure, as well as in how it develops. Therefore, we distinguish several types of tumors.
- Compact Has a large base or foot. The width of the formation is quite large.
- Tubular. The tumor has a spherical shape. The tissue is no different in structure from healthy jaw.
- Intraosseous. It has clear boundaries, so it is easy to notice against the background of bones.
Reasons for the appearance
To date, doctors have not been able to identify the exact causes and triggers of this problem. However, some patterns of its occurrence are established. For example, those people who have osteoma have previously had jaw injuries. With constant trauma to the oral cavity, the chance of developing a tumor increases. In addition, tartar, irregular prosthesis, residual fragments of teeth, poorly placed fillings and so on cause a problem.
The provoking factors include inflammatory processes. We are talking about sinusitis, periostitis, periodontitis of a chronic form and so on.
It should be noted that although the jaw osteoma, the photo of which is given in the article, is not a problem arising as a result of the progression of dental diseases, such aspects are still related to provoking factors. Sometimes a tumor is provoked by foreign bodies in the maxillary sinuses.
Symptomatology
The tumor itself does not bring discomfort until it reaches a large size. Due to the dimensions there is pressure on the nerves. Over time, it intensifies, as the neoplasm continues to grow. Another manifestation is considered to be problems with the movement of the jaw.
A large formation provokes problems not only with the functionality of the bones, but also leads to their deformation, malocclusion and noticeable facial symmetry.
If the osteoma located on the lower jaw begins to put pressure on the coronary or condylar connection, then it will be difficult for the patient to open his mouth. The tumor does not affect the color of the mucous membranes, and also does not grow together with healthy soft tissues. Abscesses and suppurations do not form on the osteoma, which facilitates its course.
Diagnostics
With an external examination and palpation, it is impossible to get a complete picture of the neoplasm. Therefore, the patient is offered to do an x-ray. Often a direction is written for computed tomography.
In the picture, the osteoma looks like a darkened round or ellipsoid spot. Sometimes in the picture you can see the root overlay on the tumor. In this case, the diagnosis of the disease can be confused with odontoma. If the formation is spongy, then the dimming is heterogeneous. The peripheral tumor has a clear shape.
When diagnosing, you need to understand if the following pathologies do not occur:
- hyperostosis
- salivary stone deposits;
- odontoma.
Osteoid can sometimes occur . Osteoma of the jaw can cause side diseases, with which it is easy to confuse the described disease.
Tumor treatment
It should be noted that the tumor is only treated surgically. After the diagnosis, during which the location of the problem is identified, an operation is assigned. It is simple and fast.
After removal of the jaw osteoma, a person may experience cosmetic defects. Therefore, plastic surgery may be required. In the process, those tissues that are removed during the treatment of the tumor will be restored.
Often, surgery is performed through the oral cavity. It is necessary to make a cut that will allow access to education. After - pinholes are made and the tumor is removed using a special tool. Next, you need to grind the bone and sew the incision.
If the osteoma is in advanced form, then it will lead to constant pain, problems with the face and will require a long rehabilitation after treatment. The most effective therapy will be that which is carried out immediately after the onset of the first symptoms.
Osteoid osteoma
May occur due to some causes of osteoma of the jaw osteoid type. However, such a problem is formed quite rarely. Most often, it is diagnosed at the age of 5 to 35 years. At risk are men. The tumor has a loose structure. Her fabric is red or red-gray. Over time, the fibers that make up the formation turn into bone plastics. Due to the structure of the tumor, it is clearly visible in the x-ray. Its rim is tight enough. With the course of the disease, its thickness begins to increase. There are no fat or other cells inside the tumor. However, some patients find white blood cells.
A similar osteoma of the lower jaw, the photo of which is available in the article, manifests itself as paroxysmal pain. Sometimes the discomfort does not subside. At night they only intensify. In the event that the tumor is located under the periosteum, then periostitis occurs.
In order to diagnose this type of tumor, an x-ray is needed. During the history collection, a number of additional studies need to be conducted to distinguish this problem from ordinary osteoma and sarcoma.
Treatment is carried out only surgically. In advanced cases, the doctor has to remove part of the affected bone. If the tumor is not completely removed, then it can recur. Therefore, it is important to get rid of all pathological tissues.
Summary
Several times a year it is necessary to undergo a scheduled examination at the dentist. Be sure to take an X-ray and treat various diseases. Then you can prevent the development of the problem in time and eliminate it without any complications.