An Oral, Maxillofacial and Facial surgeon is regularly confronted with very diverse abnormalities of the mucous membranes and jawbone. Both your GP and dentist can refer you for an examination and possibly a biopsy. This will then provide a definitive answer as to whether the abnormality is benign or malignant.
Fortunately, most lesions and tumours in the head and neck area are harmless in nature and easily treatable with appropriate medication or with minor surgery.
Such tumours can originate in the jawbone as well as in the soft tissues in and around the mouth such as the lips, gums, palate or tongue.
Although these tumours are benign and therefore do not metastasise, they often have to be removed. Otherwise, they often continue to grow until they become functionally disruptive or affect your appearance.
However, a number of tumours in the head and neck area are malignant, in which cases it is called cancer.
These tumours can originate in the lips, cheek, gums, tongue, or palate, as well as the skin or jawbone itself, and may also involve the throat and neck. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are the main risk factors. Unusual wounds that refuse to heal, a hardening, a foul odour or abnormal discolouration are often the first signs.
It is important for these lesions to be treated in time and adequately; otherwise they can quickly grow larger and also metastasise, which reduces your chance of recovery. Cancer is always diagnosed and treated in collaboration with other specialists.
The doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in detail.
