Oral and Maxillofacial Cysts & Tumors

Oral cysts are fluid-filled structures that can develop in the soft tissues or bones of the mouth. They may or may not have symptoms such as pain, pressure, or numbness associated with them. Depending on the size and location, cysts may not be visible in the mouth and may only be seen on X-rays. If you think you have a cyst, come visit Facial Surgery Group for oral pathology in Kansas City.

Causes of Cysts and Tumors

Oral tumors can be benign or malignant. Odontogenic tumors are growths involving the cells used in tooth development or periodontal structures. Oral cancer is a malignancy that can affect the tissues of the oral cavity and pharynx.

Cysts and tumors can be caused by a variety of reasons including inflammatory factors and developmental factors. They can be associated with non-vital or impacted teeth. Tobacco use is the leading cause of oral cancer and, if you are a tobacco user, be sure to get oral cancer screenings more often.

Evaluation by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

At Facial Surgery Group, we take oral health seriously. Routine oral examinations can help to catch cysts and tumors in the early stages. Our skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons can provide evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of oral and maxillofacial lesions.

The examination typically begins with a review of your medical history and any discussion regarding changes that you have noticed or concerns that you may have. Visual inspection can reveal any color changes or ulcerations. Palpation of tissues may reveal areas that feel hard or swollen. X-rays may be taken to evaluate nearby teeth and bone structures.

If clinical examination or radiographic examination reveals an abnormality that requires further workup, a biopsy may be recommended. This is a procedure in which a piece of tissue is removed and sent to a pathologist for examination under a microscope.