Odontogenic Tumors | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of odontogenic tumors?
Common symptoms your child may experience include:
- 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
The symptoms of odontogenic tumors vary widely and may resemble other medical conditions. Always talk to your child's physician for a diagnosis.
What causes odontogenic tumors?
We don’t really know. Researchers continue to look for the causes of these kinds of tumors.
Odontogenic Tumors | Diagnosis & Treatments
How are odontogenic tumors diagnosed?
Your child’s doctor will do a complete medical history, as well as a physical exam that includes an examination of your child’s mouth, jaw, and teeth. Some or all of these tests may also be prescribed:
How are odontogenic tumors treated?
The type of treatment your child will receive may depend on a few variables, including whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
Surgery
Surgical removal of the tumor is the most common form of treatment. For benign tumors, surgery may be the only therapeutic treatment given.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy 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
Chemotherapy 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. Different groups of chemotherapy drugs work in different ways to fight cancer cells and shrink tumors. Often, a combination of chemotherapy drugs is used. Certain chemotherapy drugs may be given in a specific order depending on the type of cancer it is being used to treat. Chemotherapy can be given:
- as a pill to swallow
- as an injection into the muscle or fat tissue
- intravenously (directly to the bloodstream)
- intrathecally (directly into the spinal column with a needle)
While chemotherapy can be quite effective in treating certain cancers, the agents don't completely differentiate normal healthy cells from abnormal cells. Because of this, your child could have adverse side effects during treatment.
What is the long-term care for children with an odontogenic tumor?
Your child should visit a survivorship clinic every year to:
- manage disease complications
- screen for early recurrence of cancer
- manage late effects of treatment
A typical follow-up visit may include some or all of the following:
- a physical exam
- laboratory testing
- imaging scans
Through the David B. Perini Jr. Quality of Life Clinic at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, childhood cancer survivors receive a comprehensive follow-up evaluation from their cancer care team.
How we care for odontogenic tumors
Specialists within the Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and the Cleft and Craniofacial Center are known for treating children with the most complex cases as well as for their expertise in delivering specialized treatments. They can also integrate care from other pediatric subspecialties at Boston Children's Hospital into your child's treatment plan as required.
