Jaw tumors

About Jaw tumors

Jaw tumours are growths within the upper or lower jaw bones. They may be benign, such as ameloblastoma, aneurysmal bone cysts and giant cell tumours, or malignant, including osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma. As they enlarge, they distort facial shape and interfere with chewing, speaking and swallowing, so timely assessment and treatment are essential.

Removing a jaw tumour often requires excising a segment of bone, which can affect the airway, dental occlusion and facial appearance if left untreated. Restoring bone continuity is therefore central to the operation. Without reconstruction, patients struggle with eating, speech clarity and a noticeable change in facial shape that can affect confidence and social interaction.

The most reliable reconstruction is microvascular bone and soft tissue transfer, usually a fibula flap from the leg, fixed with titanium reconstruction plates and screws. This is highly specialised microsurgery and includes flap harvest, shaping and fixation of bone, soft tissue inset, microvascular anastomosis and skin closure. Done well, it restores both form and function in one stage.

Once the new jaw is healed, dental implants can be placed into the transferred bone after about a year. This restores the ability to chew on the operated side, supports the lips and cheek and improves the smile. Reconstruction can be performed at the same sitting as tumour removal, known as primary reconstruction, or as a separate surgery later, called secondary reconstruction.

Primary reconstruction is generally preferred because it restores structure and function quickly, reduces the number of operations and shortens overall hospital stay. The goals include re-establishing mandibular or maxillary continuity, preserving the temporomandibular joint, rebuilding facial contour and replacing the soft tissue lining. Dr. Agarwal, FRCS Edinburgh, plans each case carefully during a detailed Lucknow consultation.

What to expect

• Imaging review with CT, MRI and biopsy correlation
• Multidisciplinary planning with oncology when needed
• Microvascular fibula or other free flap reconstruction
• Titanium reconstruction plates and screws for fixation
• Soft tissue replacement for lining and skin
• Plan for dental implants approximately one year later
• Coordinated speech, swallowing and physiotherapy support

Recovery

• ICU monitoring of the flap for the first few days
• Nasogastric or soft diet feeding initially
• Mouth gargles and meticulous oral hygiene
• Drain removal and dressing changes as healing progresses
• Gradual return to oral feeds over two to three weeks
• Long-term follow-up for occlusion and tumour surveillance