A HEALTHY 78-year-old man went to his dentist with a wobbly lower left premolar, hoping for a quick fix.
After assessing the situation, the dentist decided that the best course of action was to remove the tooth completely to stop any further pain.
However, in the days and weeks following the extraction, the man’s jaw began to swell.
Concerned, he returned for a follow-up, which led to a CT scan that revealed a lesion in his jaw.
Further tests confirmed that it was metastatic prostate cancer, a condition where prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
“Prostate cancer, like many other cancers, can metastasize to the jaw,” said Dr. Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at TeethSun Health said.
Read more about prostate cancer
“This is because the jawbone has a rich blood supply and active bone marrow, making it a favorable site for metastatic cancer cells to settle and grow.”
Metastatic prostate cancer is relatively rare in the jaw, but when it occurs, it is usually a sign that the cancer has spread widely.
Symptoms of jaw metastases can be subtle and often mimic more common dental problems—which can make it difficult for dentists to detect more serious underlying conditions.
“Patients may experience symptoms such as persistent jaw swelling, pain, loose teeth for no apparent reason, or delayed healing after tooth extractions,” explained Dr. Bozic.
He said people may also notice “numbness or tingling in the jaw, which can signal nerve involvement.”
In this case, the swelling that followed the removal of the man’s teeth was a crucial clue.
Writing to Australian Dental Journal, Experts stressed how important it is for dentists to recognize when dental problems are not resolving as expected.
“This is especially true in older patients or those with a history of cancer, as these signs may indicate a deeper underlying problem,” added Dr. Bozic.
“Early recognition and diagnosis can be life-saving in cases like these, although metastases to the jaw often indicate advanced disease.”
If dental treatments aren’t working as expected or you notice anything unusual, it’s very important to get checked out right away.
That could mean some imaging or even a biopsy — when doctors take a small sample of tissue to examine — to get to the bottom of things.
What are the symptoms every man should be aware of?
In most cases, prostate cancer has no symptoms until the growth becomes large enough to put pressure on the urethra – the tube through which you pee.
Symptoms include:
- Need to urinate more often, especially at night
- You need to rush to the bathroom
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Weak flow
- Strains and takes a long time while urinating
- You feel like your bladder is not completely empty
Many men’s prostates enlarge as they age due to non-cancerous conditions, prostate enlargement and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
In fact, these two conditions are more common than prostate cancer – but that doesn’t mean the symptoms should be ignored.
Signs that the cancer has SPREAD include pain in the bones, back or testicles, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.
Source: Prostate Cancer UK
Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the most common in men.
Around 12,000 people die from the disease every year in the UK and almost 400,000 worldwide.
Symptoms may include difficulty urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), and blood in the urine.
Early diagnosis and treatment is vital for best results, so it is important to pay attention to any unusual signs, both for dental health and medicine.
What your mouth says about your health and when you should be concerned
Bad breath and mouth ulcers are common occurrences.
But they can also signal an underlying health problem.
His dentist Dr Rahul Nehra The Smile Gallery reveals the hidden dangers lurking in our mouths…
BLEEDING GUMS
Persistent bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing, may indicate gingivitis, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
This is often caused by the buildup of plaque along the gum line, leading to inflammation and possible tissue damage.
It is essential to treat bleeding gums early to prevent further complications such as gum recession and tooth loss.
For bleeding gums, proper oral hygiene is vital, along with professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
BAD BREATH
Chronic bad breath or halitosis can be a sign of various dental problems, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease or tooth decay.
But it could be an underlying health problem, such as diabetes or gastrointestinal problems.
A dental checkup can help identify and treat the root cause of bad breath, such as gum disease.
Improving bad breath usually involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
TUMORS AND LESIONS
WHILE occasional mouth sores are common and often harmless, persistent bumps or sores that do not heal within two weeks can be signs of more serious conditions such as oral cancer.
Other worrying signs include white or red spots, numbness or difficulty moving the jaw. If you notice any of these symptoms, seeing a dentist or doctor for further evaluation is vital.
Mouth sores may benefit from topical treatments or medications prescribed by a dentist or doctor, while being monitored for any signs of infection or malignancy.
CROOKED TEETH
LOOSE teeth may indicate advanced gum disease or untreated tooth decay.
Without early intervention, this can lead to tooth loss and bone wear.
Seeking dental care as soon as possible can help preserve the remaining teeth, possibly through procedures such as scaling and root planing or dental restorations.
DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING
DIFFICULTY swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be caused by a variety of factors, including oral infections, inflamed tonsils, or even more serious problems such as throat cancer.
If you experience persistent difficulty swallowing or a feeling that something is stuck in your throat, it is essential to seek immediate medical or dental assistance for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
CRACKLING VOICE
A COLLAR or hoarse voice can result from various conditions affecting the throat or vocal cords, such as acid reflux, respiratory tract infections, or vocal cord nodules or polyps.
In some cases, poor oral hygiene or throat irritation can also contribute to voice changes.
If you experience persistent hoarseness or voice changes, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional.
Treating a hoarse voice may involve lifestyle changes, such as avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke or overstraining the voice.
