Lower Jaw Cancers & Jaw Tumors.
Expert surgical management of lower jaw (mandible) tumors, cancers, and benign but aggressive growths like ameloblastomas. Specializing in complete jaw resection and advanced reconstruction using vascularized leg bone (fibula free flap) to restore appearance and function.
Objective, evidence-based staging and reconstruction guidelines.
Lower Jaw Swelling & Tumor Screening
Concerned about a hard jaw swelling, loose teeth, or pain? Use our clinical screening checklist to analyze your risk profile based on clinical indicators.
Quick assessment based on jaw bone markers.
No personal data saved during check.
Risk metrics reflecting oncological guidelines.
Question Text
No immediate concern detected
Based on your answers, there are no immediate signs of jaw malignancy or acute pathology. Routine screening is advised.
Clinical Guidelines on Mandibular Surgery
Cancers or tumors in the lower jaw (mandible) require absolute surgical precision. The surgery must balance complete tumor removal to prevent recurrence with state-of-the-art reconstruction to restore normal chewing, swallowing, speech, and facial symmetry.
1. Staging and Tumor Scope
Cancers of the lower jaw often start in the lower gums (alveolus) or spread from the floor of the mouth/cheek. Staging is determined using high-resolution CT scans or MRI to measure how deeply the tumor has invaded the bone. Benign but locally aggressive tumors, such as Ameloblastoma, do not spread to other organs but require wide surgical margins to prevent them from growing back and damaging the jaw.
2. Mandiblectomy and Margin Clearance
A Mandiblectomy involves removing the affected portion of the lower jaw bone. * Marginal Mandiblectomy: Used when the tumor lies close to the bone but has not invaded it. Only the upper rim of the jawbone is removed, preserving the lower bony border and jaw continuity. * Segmental Mandiblectomy: Required when the tumor has invaded the bone. A complete segment of the jawbone is removed, requiring immediate reconstruction to bridge the gap.
3. Leg Bone (Fibula) Free Flap Reconstruction
To restore the shape and strength of the jaw, Dr. Saha performs Fibula Free Flap Reconstruction. A portion of the calf bone (fibula) along with its blood vessels is harvested. The bone is carefully shaped using 3D templates to match the missing jaw segment. Its blood vessels are connected to vessels in the neck using microvascular surgery. This healthy bone tissue provides a solid foundation for facial appearance and future dental implants.
Lower Jaw Cancer & Jaw Tumor Q&A
Scientific explanations covering jaw resection, fibula reconstruction, and restoration of chewing function.
An ameloblastoma is a rare, benign but highly aggressive tumor of the jaw bone. It is not cancer and does not spread to distant organs. However, it grows continuously, destroys the jawbone, causes tooth loss, and facial disfigurement. Complete surgical removal with clear margins and bone reconstruction is required to cure it and prevent recurrence.
Reconstruction is performed using a fibula free flap. The thin calf bone (fibula) is shaped to match the contours of the missing jaw. Using microvascular techniques under a surgical microscope, the leg bone's blood vessels are stitched to neck vessels to keep the bone alive. This provides a solid bony arch to restore appearance and hold dental implants.
Yes. Meticulous microvascular reconstruction ensures that the tongue and jaw muscles have a solid structure to attach to, which is vital for normal swallowing and speech. After the bone heals completely (usually 4 to 6 months), dental implants can be placed to restore full chewing function.