Dr Mark Austin North Carolina: Can Maxillofacial Surgery Treat Cysts In The Facial Region?

Maxillofacial surgery takes the lead in managing conditions related to the face, mouth, and jaws. One significant area that maxillofacial surgery successfully tackles involves the treatment of cysts and tumors located in the jaw or facial region. For that, Dr Mark Austin North Carolina will discuss how maxillofacial surgery plays an indispensable role in addressing these conditions.

Understanding Cysts and Tumors in the Jaw or Facial Region

Cysts and tumors in one’s jaw or face may manifest as atypical growths that may or may not pose a health risk. Cysts generally are fluid-filled sacs that can form in various bodily tissues, whereas tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Manifestations in the jaw or face can cause a range of symptoms. It can be from swelling and pain to alteration in the functioning of oral and facial structures. Correctly diagnosing these conditions, determining their severity, and understanding their potential impact on surrounding structures is the key to successful treatment, which is where maxillofacial surgery steps in.

Cyst Enucleation or Marsupialization

For cysts, a common treatment is enucleation, where the entire cyst, along with its lining, is removed to prevent recurrence. For larger cysts, a maxillofacial procedure called marsupialization might be performed to decrease the cyst’s size before complete removal.

Tumor Excision

For benign tumors, the treatment generally involves maxillofacial surgical excision. Depending on the tumor’s size and location, this might involve straightforward removal or more complex procedures that ensure essential facial functions are preserved.

In cases of malignant tumors, maxillofacial surgeons often work in interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive oncologic treatment, including surgical excision, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, predicated on the tumor’s nature and stage.

Post-Surgical Reconstruction

Finally, for larger tumors or cysts, maxillofacial surgical removal may require substantial removal of surrounding tissues or bones. In such cases, maxillofacial surgeons curate effective reconstructive plans, including bone grafts or prostheses, ensuring functionality and appearance are maximally restored Dr Mark Austin North Carolina.