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What Is Jaw Bone Cancer?

Erik J.J. Goserud
Erik J.J. Goserud

Jaw bone cancer is a very rare disease consisting of an abnormal cellular mass located in the jaw bone. Cancer typically consists of unusual cell reproduction, resulting in a malignant, or cancerous mass, which is characterized by uncontrollable growth. This mass may be referred to as a tumor, and a tumor is categorized into either malignant or benign.

A malignant tumor generally refers to a growing or cancerous mass, while a benign tumor does not contain any cancerous cells. The exact cause of cancer is not currently known and is a heavily researched topic due to the widespread effect this disease has on the health of millions. Different types of cancer are thought to have different initiating mechanisms, and in the case of jaw bone cancer, the origin is thought to result from a DNA error in bone cells.

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are the most common treatments for jaw bone cancer.
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are the most common treatments for jaw bone cancer.

The symptoms of cancer in the jaw bone may include pain, bone weakness, fatigue, and weight loss. If any of these symptoms are present for an extended period of time, a medical professional should be consulted immediately. A medical professional will likely choose to run a variety of diagnostic tests that may help determine the specific ailment present, upon which an appropriate treatment plan may be implemented.

Symptoms of jaw bone cancer will include pain and bone weakness.
Symptoms of jaw bone cancer will include pain and bone weakness.

The prognosis, treatment, and outcome of a diagnosis of this cancer varies. As with most diseases, there are a number of factors affecting issues related to this rare type of bone cancer. Some of these factors include age, weight, family history, and medical history, and patients respond differently to treatment due to tolerance to treatment types, stage of disease, gender, and ethnicity.

The prognosis of jaw bone cancer varies depending on the age of the patient.
The prognosis of jaw bone cancer varies depending on the age of the patient.

The treatment of jaw bone cancer is similar to other types of cancer. The most common options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Depending on the patient's medical preferences, alternative or experimental treatment options may be utilized as well. Generally speaking, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome, but in the case of late-stage cancer, palliative care may be primarily used as a means of pain and quality of life management.

Jaw bone cancer may cause pain that radiates into the neck.
Jaw bone cancer may cause pain that radiates into the neck.

Radiation therapy draws upon techniques that aggressively attack cancerous and cancer-causing cells. As with chemotherapy, the frequency and intensity of treatments vary on a case-by-case basis. Chemotherapy also targets abnormal cells contributing to cancerous growth, but it is different from radiation in that it uses a chemical mechanism rather than radiation to do so. Surgery entails the surgical removal of the malignant mass. The primary issue with failure of the surgical technique is that the cancer may metastasize, or change locations to a different part of the body.

Jaw bone cancer can sometimes be misdiagnoses as a cyst or other benign growth.
Jaw bone cancer can sometimes be misdiagnoses as a cyst or other benign growth.

Palliative care is a term used to describe treatment options for patients who are generally terminal in diagnosis. The philosophical foundation supporting these treatment options is to maximize the potential for quality of life toward the end of a patient's illness. This includes social support, pain management, and other aspects of comfortably aiding those suffering from life-threatening diseases.

Discussion Comments

Animandel

@Feryll - Yes, I guess tobacco use could be a cause of jaw bone cancer, but there are several other "logical" explanations for how this type of cancer can start. Who's to say that exposure to the sun couldn't cause bone cancer?

I have no way of knowing, but the article says that DNA is a possible origin of the cancer, so I guess that's the best place to start your search for a cause. I'm sure we will know more about causes and treatments in the future as scientists do more research.

Feryll

Doesn't it seem logical that smoking could be a cause of jaw bone cancer? Scientists and doctors have shown that smoking causes other oral cancers, so it isn't a big stretch to think jaw cancer could result for years of smoking cigarettes.

Now that I think about it, chewing tobacco might be a more likely cause than cigarettes since the tobacco is actually sitting in the mouth for so long when you chew it.

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    • Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are the most common treatments for jaw bone cancer.
      By: Georgiy Pashin
      Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are the most common treatments for jaw bone cancer.
    • Symptoms of jaw bone cancer will include pain and bone weakness.
      By: Nobilior
      Symptoms of jaw bone cancer will include pain and bone weakness.
    • The prognosis of jaw bone cancer varies depending on the age of the patient.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      The prognosis of jaw bone cancer varies depending on the age of the patient.
    • Jaw bone cancer may cause pain that radiates into the neck.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Jaw bone cancer may cause pain that radiates into the neck.
    • Jaw bone cancer can sometimes be misdiagnoses as a cyst or other benign growth.
      By: sergmar
      Jaw bone cancer can sometimes be misdiagnoses as a cyst or other benign growth.