Jaw cancer: what is it, symptoms and treatment

Jaw cancer, also known as ameloblastic carcinoma of the mandible, is an unusual type of tumor that develops in the lower jaw and causes initial symptoms, such as progressive pain in the mouth and swelling in the jaw and skin region. .

Normally, this type of cancer is diagnosed in the initial stages due to the symptoms, which are apparent, and as a result of radiological examinations; However, when it is diagnosed at more advanced stages, there is a greater risk of metastasis to other organs, making treatment difficult.

main symptoms

The symptoms of jaw cancer are often characteristic and even can be noticed at a glance, considering the main factors:

• Hinchazón in the face or only in the mentón;
• Bleeding in the mouth;
• Difficulty opening and closing the mouth;
• Voice changes;
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing, as these actions cause pain;
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the jaw;
• Frequent headache.

Despite the symptoms, in several cases, jaw cancer can appear asymptomatically, and can develop silently.

Therefore, in the event that changes occur in the jaw and skin region that take more than 1 week to disappear, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner to carry out the diagnosis and start the appropriate treatment.

How is the treatment performed?

The treatment for cancer of the jaw must be carried out in clinical centers specialized in oncology, which varies according to the degree of development of the tumor and the age of the patient.

However, in most cases, the treatment is initiated with surgery to remove the affected tissue as much as possible, and it may be necessary to place metal prostheses in the jaw to replace the lack of bone. During surgery, radiotherapy sessions are carried out to eliminate the malignant cells that are found there, reason why the number of sessions varies according to the degree of cancer development.

In cases where the cancer is at an advanced stage and the treatment has not been started in time, metastasis may appear in other areas of the body, such as the lungs, liver or brain; making treatment more complicated and reducing opportunities for healing.

In the first days of surgery, it can be difficult to open your mouth, which is why you should start food tolerance with a liquid diet and continue with a bland consistency diet.