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When a mass or a protrusion of tissue starts growing on a face or jaw, many people fear of the worst. Not all cysts and tumors are cancerous, but any unfamiliar growth on your face or jaw should be evaluated by an oral/maxillofacial surgeon.
Whenever you require an oral/maxillofacial surgeon, come to the office of Royal Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. We provide all of our patients with excellent care and attention. During your consultation, we will thoroughly evaluate your anatomy and talk to you about which procedure would best remedy your situation. We’ll work with you to determine the optimal outcome, and you’ll receive personal attention throughout the process.
There are differences and similarities between tumors and cysts. Though both present themselves as a lump, cysts are rarely painful. Cysts are pockets of fluid or air under a layer of skin. They are soft to the touch, and you might be able to move them around a bit. Unless a cyst is large enough to affect how you move your face and/or jaw muscles, it’s likely not a health problem. On the other hand, tumors are solid and usually sore. They grow when a particular type of cell in your body makes an irregular cell that reproduces on its own.
The most important difference between tumors and cysts is that tumors might be malignant. Cancerous tumors spread their cells to other parts of the body and cause growths. Other types of tumors, however, can be benign. A biopsy is done on the cells of a tumor or cyst.
There is a variety of methods to remove a tumor or cyst. After a patient is anesthetized, the surgeon uses a curette (a small, hand-held surgical instrument) to scrape it away. The surgeon may also perform electrodesiccation, which burn the tumor or cyst away with an electrical current. But when a tumor or cyst is under the skin, the surgeon makes an incision and scrapes the lump away with a curette.
Cryosurgery is another possibility. It uses an extremely cold substance (liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon or dimethyl ether) to kill the cells and shrink the structure. This method makes precise scrapes in larger tumors and cysts and expedites healing.
Whichever type of service you need from an oral/maxillofacial surgeon, the office of Royal Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provides a comfortable and relaxing environment. Our patients get the best treatment possible from an experienced, skilled and board-certified surgeon. Please contact us today for a consultation.
By Royal Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
May 30, 2022
