A cyst is a benign cavity under the skin or in bone. The cavity can be empty or filled partially or completely with fluid. The cavity is lined with a kind of tissue called epithelium, which normally is found in surface layers, such as the skin and the lining of the mouth. Cysts may form when epithelium is somehow displaced into deeper body layers.
Oral cysts can be found in the jawbones, in any of the salivary glands, in the gums and lips, and in the tissues surrounding the mouth and face. When cysts are found in the jawbone and are lined with epithelium that normally forms teeth, they are often called odontogenic cysts. Odontogenic jaw cysts can grow large enough to move teeth and cause problems with the bite. A large odontogenic cyst also can weaken the jaw, making it more likely to fracture. The jaw can become inflamed, infected and painful. A specific type of odontogenic cyst, called an odontogenic keratocyst, has an aggressive growth pattern and is more difficult to treat. People with an inherited condition called basal cell nevus syndrome can form this type of cyst. |
