What are the early symptoms of central jaw cancer

Central mandibular cancer is the only bone in the body that can develop primary cancer because it contains odontogenic epithelium and epithelial remnants at the fusion of the facial processes. Usually, it is squamous cell carcinoma in terms of tissue type, or glandular carcinoma (most commonly mucoepidermoid carcinoma). There is no significant difference in the incidence between men and women, and the most common age is 40 to 60 years old. It is more common in the molar area of ​​the mandible.

Central mandibular cancer is similar to maxillary sinus cancer in that it is difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Because the tumor originates in the mandible, there are no conscious symptoms in the early stages. Due to the invasion of the tumor and compression of the surrounding tissues, corresponding symptoms may occur. The earliest symptoms are toothache, local pain, invasion of the inferior alveolar nerve, and paresthesia and numbness of the lower lip. When the alveolar process is invaded, the teeth become loose or even fall out. If the tumor infiltrates into the bone marrow and the cortical bone, a soft tissue mass will appear in the corresponding area after penetrating the cortical bone. If it occurs in the molar area, when the tumor invades the masticatory muscles, difficulty opening the mouth may occur.

Metastasis: Central jaw cancer can metastasize to regional lymph nodes, most commonly the submandibular lymph nodes and the deep cervical lymph nodes. It can also metastasize to the lungs through the blood.