The head, neck and oral cavity is prone to unique disease processes not seen in other sites. Involved tissues can vary from bones, gums, salivary glands and more. These may be a minor issue requiring a short minor surgery, or may be a more significant problem, requiring multiple or extensive procedures.
The ramifications of disease of the head and neck include pain, infection, alteration of appearance, altered ability to chew and talk, nerve involvement with changes to sensation (‘feeling’) or movement of the face.
It is important to be seen by a surgeon who is familiar with such diseases to promptly diagnose the problem, which expedites treatment. Occasionally after the pathology is removed, reconstruction of some form is required. Seeing a surgeon who understands how the facial skeleton and jaws are normally positioned ensures the best chance of returning a patient to their pre-disease state.
In particular, the jaws can develop pathology relating to teeth or tissues that were supposed to form during development. Such cysts or tumours can be difficult problems to manage, and your specialist is highly trained in doing so, whilst minimising damage to adjacent structures.
At your consult, the necessary investigations (xrays, scans) will be discussed as well as the need for biopsy. A biopsy involves the taking of a specimen prior to the definitive surgery to ensure the appropriate course of care. The expected recovery and post-operative management will discussed specific to your problem at your initial consultation.