What Is It?
A cyst is a noncancerous (benign) cavity under the skin or in bone. The cavity can be empty or filled partially or completely with fluid. The cavity is lined with a kind of tissue called epithelium, which normally is found in surface layers, such as the skin and the lining of the mouth. Cysts may form when epithelium is somehow displaced into deeper body layers.
Oral cysts can be found in the jawbones, in any of the salivary glands, in the gums and lips, and in the tissues surrounding the mouth and face. When cysts are found in the jawbone and are lined with epithelium that normally forms teeth, they are often called "odontogenic cysts." Odontogenic jaw cysts can grow large enough to move teeth and cause problems with the bite (the way teeth come together). A large odontogenic cyst also can weaken the jaw, making it more likely to fracture. The jaw can become inflamed, infected and painful. A specific type of odontogenic cyst, called an odontogenic keratocyst, has an aggressive growth pattern and is more difficult to treat. People with an inherited condition called basal cell nevus syndrome can form this type of cyst.
Symptoms
A cyst in soft tissue may appear as a small, painless bump less than 1 inch in diameter. The cyst can be under the skin of the inner lower lip, inner cheek or gums. A cyst usually does not cause pain unless it becomes infected. A small odontogenic jaw cyst may be painless and not noticeable. When an odontogenic cyst becomes large and infected, it may be painful and cause the jawbone to bulge.
Diagnosis
If your dentist suspects that you have a cyst, he or she will order a biopsy. In this procedure, a small piece of tissue is removed and examined in a laboratory.
Expected Duration
Without treatment, a cyst will continue to enlarge. Cysts are removed surgically, but can sometimes recur.
Prevention
There is no way to prevent a cyst from occurring.
Treatment
Usually, the cyst is removed surgically. An oral surgeon usually does this procedure under local anesthesia. If the cyst is infected, you may be given antibiotics.
When To Call a Professional
Call your dentist if you notice a painful or painless swelling in your mouth or near your jaw. Sometimes these benign lesions are found in the very young and are associated with erupting teeth. If this is the case, the parent should notice a small, symmetrical bulge of soft tissue sitting above the tooth crown on the jaw ridge. If this bulge is reddened, there may be tenderness or pain.
Call your dentist if you notice that a tooth has moved.
Prognosis
The outlook is excellent because cysts can be removed surgically. However, some cysts return. People who have had a cyst removed should be checked periodically by a dentist.
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Jason from wisconsin says: | 2009-10-06 17:17:05 |
| I just had a odontogenic cyst removed from my jaw. It was cancerous.It had salivary glands that were contained within the walls of the cyst that were cancerous. I thought this article was well written and easy to understand. Alot of the articles I looked at were difficult to follow. | ||
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