 Odontogenic Tumors
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Odontogenic tumors are any kind of abnormal growth in and around the jaw and structures of the teeth. Some of these tumors are considered to be benign, meaning that they may grow slowly and are not likely to spread to surrounding tissue or the rest of the body. In unusual cases, odontogenic tumors are malignant, meaning they are likely to spread.
There are several types of odontogenic tumors:
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- epithelial - these tumors consist of abnormal cells of the lining of tissues of the mouth and jaw. They grow slowly, but persistently. They rarely spread to other areas of the body.
- mesenchymal - these benign, slow-growing tumors usually infiltrate the bone. The soft, pulpy nature of these tumors can make them difficult to remove, however they rarely become invasive.
- mixed - these tumors consist of several types of cells, often recur after surgical removal, and they transform into fast-growing, invasive tumors. The most common, called an odontoma, is most common before age 20 and can prevent new teeth from developing in children.
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It is not entirely understood what causes odontogenic tumors.
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Common symptoms of odontogenic tumors include:
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- swelling or pain in the jaw
- a painless, hard, slowly expanding swelling in the jaw or around the teeth
- loose teeth
- a tooth that does not come in
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The symptoms of odontogenic tumors vary widely and may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
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In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination that include examination of the mouth, jaw and teeth, diagnostic procedures for odontogenic tumors may include:
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- computerized tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
- biopsy - a simple surgical procedure by which a physician removes a small sample of affected body tissue so that it can be studied on a cellular level to identify the cause of the symptoms
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Specific treatment for an odontogenic tumor will be determined by your child's physician based on:
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- your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- the extent of the disease
- your child's tolerance for certain medications, procedures, or therapies
- how your child's physician expects the disease to progress
- your opinion or preference
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The type of treatment will depend on many variables, including whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Treatment may include:
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- surgery - surgical removal of the tumor is the most common form of treatment. For benign tumors, surgery may be the only therapeutic treatment given.
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In addition to surgery, treatment for malignant odontogenic tumors may include:
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- radiation therapy - this treatment can help stop the growth of abnormal cells in specific areas of the body. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (radiation) from a specialized machine to damage or kill abnormal cells.
- chemotherapy - this treatment is used in cases of advanced or aggressive tumor growth. This treatment can help stop the growth of abnormal cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is systemic treatment, meaning it is introduced to the bloodstream and travels throughout the body to kill or slow the growth of targeted cells. Chemotherapy can be given:
- as a pill to swallow
- as an injection into the muscle or fat tissue
- intravenously (directly to the bloodstream; also called IV)
- intrathecally - chemotherapy given directly into the spinal column with a needle
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While chemotherapy can be quite effective in treating certain cancers, the agents do not completely differentiate normal healthy cells from abnormal cells. Because of this, there can be adverse side effects during treatment.
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The long-term outlook for a child with an odontogenic tumor will vary, depending on the type of tumor and whether it has spread. Your child's physician can give you more specific information.
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