Movable Lump on Jaw Bone: What You Need to Know
A movable lump on the jaw bone is a mass or growth that can be felt on the surface of the skin. This type of lump is also known as a tumor. While most lumps are not cancerous, a movable lump on the jaw bone may be a sign of a more serious health problem. In this article, we discuss what movable lumps on the jaw bone are, what causes them, how they are treated, and what risks are associated with movable lumps on the jaw bone. If you need help in maintaining your oral health, Radiant Smiles Dental in Bundoora can help you. Check out their site today.
What Are The Causes of a Movable Lump on the Jaw Bone?
There are several possible causes of a movable lump on the jaw bone. The most common causes of this type of lump include:
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes are easily detected lumps that can be felt under the skin near your jaw bone. While it is often not dangerous, this type of lump may indicate an infection or another problem within the body. In fact, swelling of the lymph nodes can be a sign of several different health problems. Lymph nodes are part of your body’s immune system, and they help to fight against infection. When you have an infection, your lymph nodes will become swollen to get rid of the infection more quickly.
Other symptoms of a swollen lymph node include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Aches and pain in the neck, chest, or armpit
Benign Tumors or Cancerous Growths
A movable lump may be an indication of a benign growth or can sometimes turn out to be cancerous. Several things can cause tumors or cancerous growths on the jaw bone, including:
- Heredity
- Accumulation of fluid in the jaw bone, such as due to high calcium levels or an infection
Cancer can cause a lump to develop on your chin in a variety of ways, including: via an adjacent organ, such as the mouth, throat, thyroid, or salivary glands. By traveling from one organ to the lymph nodes.
While not all lumps are cancerous, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of cancerous lumps. If you notice any of the following symptoms, please see a doctor as soon as possible:
- A lump that does not go away or continues to grow
- A lump that is painful or sensitive to the touch
- Unusual mouth sores that do not heal within a few weeks
- Change in size, shape, or color of a lesion on your skin
- Weight loss for no known reason
- Coughing that will not go away or blood when you cough
- Increase in saliva production that is causing difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty speaking, chewing or breathing
- Sore throat that does not go away or extreme pain in the throat
Allergic Reactions
Allergies are a common cause of movable lumps on the jaw bone. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance or allergen. This can lead to the swelling of lymph nodes in the area around your jaw bone. Other symptoms of allergies include:
- itchy skin
- watery, red eyes
- a runny nose
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing can also occur in severe cases of allergies. If you have a jaw lump or movable lump on your jaw bone and shortness of breath, seek medical advice from a doctor immediately.
Movable lumps caused by allergies should go away within a few days once the person stops coming into contact with whatever they are allergic to.
Infections, Such As Abscesses
An infection, such as a dental abscess, may cause a movable lump on the jaw bone. An abscess is caused by bacteria that infect tissues of the jaw bone, leading to swelling and formation of pus. You may know you have an abscessed tooth if you have:
- Trouble opening your mouth wide
- Pain in your jaw or neck
- Swelling around the lump
- Bleeding from the lump
- Bad breath
Signs and Symptoms of A Movable Lump On The Jaw Bone
A movable lump may cause symptoms such as:
- Pain or tenderness in the area of the movable lump
- A buildup of pus
- Swelling in the jaw bone area
- Fever
- Changes in your ability to chew or open your jaw
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
These are all symptoms that may occur with a movable lump on the jawbone. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.
How is A Movable Lump On The Jaw Bone Treated?
Most movable lumps on the jaw bone do not require treatment, but it is important to have them examined by a doctor. If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with a movable lump on the jawbone, such as fever, night sweats, or sudden weight loss, then it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Allergic reactions associated with a lump on the jawbone indicate that you have to take prescription allergy medication. If a movable lump on the jaw bone turns out to be cancerous, there are several treatment options available depending on the type of cancer and the stage at which the diagnosis is made. These treatments may include:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
While there is currently no standard treatment for any type of movable lumps, there are some options that may be considered:
- Diagnosis and surgical removal if possible, such as with an abscess or cyst
- Lifestyle changes to improve your overall health and well-being
- Antibiotics if the lump is due to an infection
Risks Associated with Movable Lump on Jawbone
The symptoms and treatment of a movable lump will vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but there are some general risks associated with movable lumps that may cause concern. These include:
- Pain during chewing, speaking, or swallowing
- Chronic pain that does not go away
- Infection caused by bacteria spreading from the lump into surrounding areas of the mouth and throat
- The development of oral cancer
All of these risks should be discussed with your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms associated with a movable lump on the jawbone.
Symptoms of cancer may not appear until the later stages of the disease.
The risk of developing cancer is higher in older adults, but younger people can still develop this illness.
If you have a family history of certain types of cancer then your risk increases.
Early diagnosis and treatment of cancer are important for the best possible outcome.
Prevention
Movable lumps can be caused by a variety of different factors, many of which you may not be able to prevent. However, there are some things that you can do to help improve your overall health and well-being:
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Get regular check-ups with your doctor
- Stay informed about the latest treatments and breakthroughs in cancer research
Seeking a doctor’s advice as soon as you notice any of these symptoms is the best way to prevent or stop the advancement of the underlying condition.
Conclusion On Movable Lump on Jaw Bone
Movable lumps on the jawbone can be caused by a variety of different factors, some of which may be preventable. If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with a movable lump, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to achieving incredible possible results. Also, it is important to remember that no two people have the same experience and that everyone’s cancer journey is different. When you’re a patient going through these tough times, know that you are not alone. Remember to stay up-to-date on the newest therapies and discoveries in cancer research, as well as healthy habits such as quitting smoking, eating healthy, and exercising regularly.
References:
Swollen lymph nodes.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swollen-lymph-nodes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353902
What Is Jaw Cancer?
https://www.verywellhealth.com/jaw-cancer-overview-and-more-5201871
Symptoms – Allergies.