Why seek advice?
A cyst or lesion may be found on an X-ray or because of swelling, pain, infection or tooth displacement. Some abnormalities cause no symptoms and primarily need careful characterisation.
Tissue diagnosis
Jaw Cysts and Oral Lesions
An X-ray finding or visible lesion does not always allow a final diagnosis without specialist assessment.
Which tests may be needed?
Clinical findings are reviewed alongside existing X-rays. A panoramic X-ray, CT scan or other imaging may be needed to define the lesion and its relationship with teeth, a nerve or the sinus.
Biopsy and diagnosis
Imaging alone does not always identify a lesion. A partial or complete tissue sample may be proposed for pathology analysis. The result guides monitoring or any additional treatment.
Monitoring or treatment?
Management depends on the likely diagnosis, size, change over time and risk to nearby structures. Some lesions are monitored; others are removed or treated in stages.
Usual recovery
After a biopsy or procedure, pain, swelling, minor bleeding and local discomfort may occur. Instructions depend on the treated area and should be followed until review and the pathology result.
When should you contact the team?
Report persistent bleeding, worsening pain or swelling, fever, discharge or new altered sensation. Difficulty breathing or swallowing is an emergency: call 15 or 112 in France.
Next step