Maxillofacial tumor surgery is a specialty that surgically treats tumors in the jaw, facial, and skull bones and soft tissues. Surgeons in this field remove cysts, masses, and tumors in the relevant areas using surgical methods. Treatment is planned differently depending on whether the tumors removed are benign or malignant.

The main goal of facial surgery procedures is to remove masses and cysts. However, aesthetic concerns are also considered. Depending on the condition of the disease, treatment is carried out in a way that does not negatively affect the patient’s general appearance.

What is a Jaw Tumor? (Maxillofacial Tumor Surgery)

Jaw tumor is the name for lesions in the soft tissues or bones of the mouth and face area. These are abnormal formations that do not occur in healthy tissues. Therefore, it is unhealthy if such a formation occurs in the mouth and chin area.

Two different formations can occur in the mouth and chin area. Details regarding these are shown in the table below:

Cyst	Tumor
A pouch containing liquid or solid materials	Abnormal tissue growth
It originates from the cells that play a role in the development of teeth.	It occurs when cells multiply excessively.
It is mostly painless but may cause swelling.	It can cause problems such as pain, bleeding and dysfunction.
They grow slowly.	They can grow slowly or quickly.
They mostly do not spread.	Malignant ones can spread to other parts of the body.

Although cysts seem more innocent than tumors, they also have benign and malignant types. Malignant ones must be removed surgically. These are removed with surgeries performed within the scope of jaw tumor surgery.

Causes of Maxillofacial Tumor

There are different reasons why jaw and facial tumors occur. This situation is seen when looking at jaw tumor surgery cases. The issues that cause the incidents can generally be listed as follows:

• Due to genetic factors, some people have a high risk of developing tumors. This situation is referred to as genetic predisposition.
• Exposure to stress and sadness is one factor that increases risks in this area.
• Infections in tooth roots can lead to cysts in the relevant area and jaw bones.
• Cysts and tumors may occur due to problems in tooth roots.
• Issues such as exposure to radiation and eating foods with high carcinogenic risk are also effective.

Although the factors that increase the risk of tumor formation are known, it is generally not easy to determine why a patient has a tumor. Many factors are effective at this point, and therefore, the root cause cannot be determined. After the tumor forms, the important thing is not to find the cause but to perform the treatment. Maxillofacial tumor surgery focuses on restoring the patient’s permanent health.

Maxillofacial Tumor Symptoms

Early diagnosis of the disease is essential for the treatment of jaw tumors. Many patients only realize this once the tumor reaches a specific size, causing treatment to be delayed. In terms of maxillofacial tumor surgery, such situations mean that treatment becomes difficult.

For early diagnosis, patients need to know the symptoms at this point. Maxillofacial tumor symptoms are as follows:

• Small and seemingly insignificant swellings
• Difficulty swallowing
• The taste in the mouth begins to change
• Formation of wounds in the mouth that do not heal for a long time
• Small cracks on the skin (signs of cysts on the cheek)
• Numbness and tingling sensation
• Tiredness
• Signs of tumor in the tooth root (swelling, etc.)
• Weight loss

It is very important to see a specialist doctor when such symptoms are noticed.

How is Jaw Tumor Diagnosed?

Before maxillofacial tumor surgery, tumor diagnosis is made through physical examination, clinical tests and imaging methods. General details regarding the diagnostic process are as follows:

First, a physical examination is performed. During the physical examination, it is checked whether there is any swelling, stiffness, pain, or similar findings. Clinical tests may be requested, considering the result of the physical examination, symptoms (e.g., swelling in the lower jaw bone, etc.), and patient complaints. In addition to clinical tests, different imaging methods are also used.

X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging methods reveal whether there is a cyst or tumor in the relevant area of the patient. Thus, it will be determined whether the patient needs maxillofacial tumor surgery. Imaging methods also show a cyst or tumor in a different spot in the lower jaw bone.

Once the tumor is detected, it is determined whether it is benign or malignant. For this, a biopsy is performed. Different methods can be used in biopsy depending on the location and size of the mass. Details about these methods are as follows:

• Needle biopsy allows taking sample tissues from the tumor by injection method.
• Surgical biopsy is the removal of a piece using a surgical method.

A treatment plan is made according to the results obtained here. Benign maxillofacial tumors may not be treated if they do not cause discomfort to patients, do not negatively affect their lives, and are not excessively large. In malignant tumors and disturbing benign tumors, maxillofacial tumor surgery comes into play and ensures their removal.

What is Maxillofacial Tumor Surgery?

Maxillofacial tumor surgery is a specialty that diagnoses and surgically treats tumors in the jaw and face. Malignant (malignant) or benign (benign) masses are treated in this area. A multidisciplinary approach can also be used depending on the condition of the masses.

Procedures performed within the scope of facial surgery are particular to the patient’s condition. As with other tumors, different methods are applied depending on the location of the mass, whether it is benign or malignant, its size and the patient’s general condition. Therefore, a personal examination is essential for maxillofacial tumor surgery.

Here, specialists, such as maxillofacial surgeons, oncologists, plastic surgeons, and dentists, may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment process. These experts plan the treatment and the rehabilitation process after the treatment.

How is Maxillofacial Tumor Surgery Performed?

If it is decided to remove the tumor detected in the jaw and face area, this procedure is performed by surgeons specialized in maxillofacial tumor surgery. The basic approach is to completely remove and clean the tumor from the relevant area. While doing this, healthy tissues should not be damaged as much as possible.

• Different approaches can be adopted in these surgeries depending on the condition, location and size of the mass. These approaches are as follows:
• The mass is completely removed and the integrity and functions of healthy tissues are preserved.
• If there is a loss or gap in the relevant area after the tumor is removed, the gap is filled with reconstructive surgery and the patient is provided with a natural appearance.
• Due to the location and size of the mass, only a portion of it can be removed.
• If the mass spreads to the lymph nodes, complete removal of the lymph nodes may be considered.

As can be seen, no single type of surgery is performed by maxillofacial tumor surgery, and surgeries are planned specifically for patients. When those who underwent tumor jaw cyst surgery are examined, it will be seen that there are different applications in almost every patient.

After removing the lower jaw tumor or the tumor from a different part of the face, the treatment process continues in the oncology department. This is only valid for those with malignant masses.

You can contact us anytime to get detailed information about maxillofacial tumor surgery.

Maxillofacial Tumor Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions and answers regarding maxillofacial tumor surgery are listed below.

1 – Which Doctor Should You See for a Jaw Tumor?

For tumors in the jaw and face, you should go to the maxillofacial tumor surgery department, also referred to as facial surgery and maxillofacial surgery.

2 – Is Facial Tumor Dangerous?

Depending on whether the tumor is benign or malignant, its location and size and whether it is dangerous vary.

3 – Does Maxillofacial Tumor Surgery Treat Cancer Patients?

Maxillofacial tumor surgery cares for cancer patients. However, the experts here only perform a surgical removal of the mass. The oncology department undertakes the treatment after this process.