mandibular cancer

Common Signs and Symptoms of Mandibular Cancer

Mandibular cancer, also known as jaw cancer, can manifest in various ways depending on the stage and type of tumor. Here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Swelling or lump in the jaw: A noticeable swelling or lump in the jaw area is one of the most significant symptoms of mandibular cancer [14]. This swelling can occur on the side of the face, the roof of the mouth, or beneath the teeth.
• Painful tooth displacement: Aggressive jaw tumors can invade nearby bone and soft tissue, resulting in painful tooth displacement and additional complications [13].
• Lumps or sores in the mouth: Lumps or sores in the mouth, including areas that look white, red, raised, or patchy, can be a sign of mandibular cancer [13].
• Difficulty swallowing: Pain or difficulty swallowing can also be a symptom of mandibular cancer, especially in advanced stages [3].

Other Possible Symptoms

While not as common, other possible symptoms of mandibular cancer include:

• Loose teeth: Loose teeth can be a sign of jaw cancer, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms like swelling or pain [9].
• Swollen lymph nodes: Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can also indicate the presence of mandibular cancer [11].

Important Note

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for an examination and proper diagnosis.

References:

[13] - Symptoms might include: Lumps or sores in the mouth; Areas of the mouth or gums that look white, red, raised or patchy; [14] - Jaw Swelling. Noticeable swelling in the jaw area is one of the most significant symptoms of jaw cancer. [3] - Some jaw cancer symptoms you may experience include: Pain or difficulty swallowing [9] - Loose teeth; Swelling of the jaw bone or tongue [11] - Swollen lymph nodes

Diagnostic Tests for Mandibular Cancer

Mandibular cancer, also known as jaw cancer, can be diagnosed using various tests and procedures. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to diagnose mandibular cancer:

• Physical Exam: A physical exam is usually the first step in diagnosing mandibular cancer. Your doctor or dentist will examine your mouth and jaw to look for any abnormalities, such as lumps, swelling, or other signs of a tumor [1].
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure where tissue samples are removed from the affected area for testing. This is usually done under local anesthesia and can help confirm the presence of cancer cells [3].
• Imaging Studies: Imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound may be used to determine the extent of the tumor and its spread to other areas [9, 11]. These tests can also help identify any lymph node involvement.
• Barium Swallow: A barium swallow test may show irregularities in the larynx, pharynx, mouth, and surrounding areas, which can indicate oral cancer [3].
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the mouth to visualize the affected area. This can help identify any abnormalities or tumors [5].

Additional Tests

Other tests that may be used to diagnose mandibular cancer include:

• Blood Tests: While no blood test can diagnose cancer in the oral cavity or oropharynx, your doctor may order routine blood tests to get an idea of your overall health before treatment [10].
• PET-CT Scan: A PET-CT scan is a type of imaging study that combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scans. It can help determine the extent of the tumor and its spread to other areas [14].

It's essential to note that the diagnosis phase of mandibular cancer can be difficult and overwhelming, and further testing will be necessary to confirm a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment [15].

Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Mandibular Cancer

Mandibular cancer, also known as jaw cancer, can be treated with various drug therapies in addition to surgery and radiation therapy.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. While chemotherapy is not a common treatment for mandibular cancer, it may be used alongside radiation after surgery (see [11]). Common chemotherapy drugs for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer include cisplatin and fluorouracil (5FU) (see [8]).
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses medications to target specific molecules involved in cancer growth. For mandibular cancer, targeted therapies such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab have been approved by the FDA for treatment (see [14]). These drugs work by boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer.

Other Treatment Options

In addition to chemotherapy and targeted therapy, other treatments may be considered for mandibular cancer, including:

• Palliative Care: Palliative care helps manage symptoms and side effects of cancer treatments. This can be especially important for patients with a good prognosis (see [11]).
• Surgery: Surgery is often the primary treatment for mandibular cancer, but may be combined with other therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

References

[8] Common chemotherapy drugs for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer are cisplatin and fluorouracil (5FU). [11] Chemotherapy isn’t a common jaw cancer treatment, but you may need it alongside radiation after surgery. [14] The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two immunotherapy drugs to treat oral cancer — pembrolizumab and nivolumab.