Jaw tumors

Jaw tumors may be benign or malignant tumors and can form in the jawbones. In some cases, the tumors might have existed for quite some time and eventually is noticed as an incidental finding during a dental examination.

If a patient is suspected of having a jaw tumor, it is essential that a specialist for oral and maxillofacial surgery will clarify this finding as quickly as possible.

A clear diagnosis as to whether the tumor is benign or malignant is usually possible based on the clinical and radiographic appearance of the tumor. A tissue sample that is taken under local anesthesia will quickly confirm the diagnosis.

Depending on the type of tumor, a secondary diagnosis will be made in the radiology department of the KLINIK am RING since this department is highly specialized in imaging techniques.

The final therapy depends on the results of the previously conducted studies. In many cases, it is possible to remove the tumor. The treatment is uncomplicated and a defect caused in the jaw is taken care off by a bone graft.

Larger, especially malignant tumors require a highly specialized surgical treatment, which can include the removal of neck lymph nodes (neck dissection). Similarly, large tumors often have to be treated additionally with radiotherapy. In these cases, treatment is carried out in close collaboration with the ENT Department (Ear, Nose, and Throat) at the St. Elisabeth Hospital in Cologne Hohenlind. In close cooperation with all the essential departments (maxillofacial surgery, ENT, radiotherapy, radiology, pathology), we will develop an individual treatment plan for our patients. This cooperation allows us to offer a highly specialized treatment with the greatest chance of recovery.