Book
ProceduresOral pathology · Maxillofacial

Cysts, tumours
and oral biopsy

Many lesions of the mouth and jaws are painless and turn up by chance on an X-ray. A biopsy tells what they are; that decides the treatment and the follow-up.

Book your consultation→Step by step↓
Biopsy
Under local anesthesia
Result
1–2 weeks, approx., depending on the lab
Treatment
In the practice or in hospital, depending on the case
Follow-up
Imaging check-ups, sometimes for years

Approximate values: every case is different and your plan confirms them at the consultation.

What is a jaw cyst?

It is a cavity with fluid or soft content, lined by a layer of tissue. In the jaws many arise from tissues related to the teeth and grow slowly without symptoms, until they show on an X-ray or expand the bone.

Benign jaw tumours are less common. They do not spread to other parts of the body, but they can grow and displace teeth, so they are treated too.

A biopsy takes a tissue sample to study under the microscope. It is the only way to know for certain what a lesion is.

When to get checked
  • 01A sore or patch that has not healed in three weekswhite, red or raised.
  • 02A lump on the gum, palate or jaweven if it does not hurt.
  • 03A finding on an X-raythat your dentist wants studied.
  • 04Teeth that loosen or shiftwithout a gum problem to explain it.

Many of these lesions are benign; the biopsy confirms it.

Options

Study first, treat afterwards.

  • 01Large lesions

    Incisional biopsy

    Part of the lesion is taken to diagnose it before deciding on treatment.

  • 02Small lesions

    Excisional biopsy

    The whole lesion is removed and sent for study: diagnosis and treatment in one step.

  • 03Cysts

    Enucleation

    The whole cyst is removed from the bone. It is the most common treatment.

  • 04Extensive cysts

    Decompression

    A window is opened so the cyst drains and shrinks over months; what remains is removed later. It protects teeth and nerve in large lesions.

Step by step

From the finding to the follow-up.

  1. 01Consultation
    Examination and imaging

    X-ray and CT scan to see the size and the relation to teeth and nerve.

  2. 02Day 0
    Biopsy

    Under local anesthesia; one or two stitches. The sample goes to the pathologist.

  3. 031–2 weeks
    Result

    The report is reviewed and the diagnosis and plan are explained.

  4. 04Depending on the case
    Treatment

    Enucleation, decompression or resection, in the practice or in hospital.

  5. 05Months–years
    Follow-up

    Clinical and X-ray check-ups: some cysts can come back.

After a biopsy

What to expect

  1. Day 1

    Mild discomfort; cold packs and soft diet.

  2. Days 2–3

    Gentle hygiene of the area; most people carry on with their routine.

  3. Week 1

    Check-up and suture removal if needed.

  4. Weeks 1–2

    Pathology result and plan.

Do not wait

When to seek care promptly

  • A sore that has not healed in three weeks
  • A lump that grows quickly
  • Numbness of the lip or chin without a cause
Message on WhatsApp→
  • Reviewing the 3D reconstruction before planning
  • Working with magnification loupes during surgery
  • Preparing the instruments before surgery
Frequently asked

What patients ask before deciding.

Most are benign, but they can grow, weaken the bone or displace teeth. That is why they are studied and treated even when painless.
Often none. As it grows it can expand the bone, move teeth, become infected or numb the lip. It is often found on a routine X-ray.
It is done under local anesthesia, so it should not hurt during the procedure. Afterwards there may be mild discomfort for a few days.
Usually one to two weeks, depending on the lab. It is reviewed at a visit to explain the diagnosis and the plan.
Incisional takes part of the lesion to diagnose it; excisional removes it entirely. The size and appearance of the lesion decide which.
Some can, such as the keratocyst. That is why X-ray check-ups continue for years after treatment.
Related
Impacted teeth and complex extractions→Wisdom teeth surgery→TMJ pain and surgery→All procedures→
Next step

Book your consultation.

One visit to review your case with imaging and leave with a clear plan: procedure, time and recovery.

Book your consultation→