Myxoma: Symptoms, Causes, Types and Treatment in Chicago

Types of Myxoma in the Oral and Maxillofacial Region

Myxomas are rare, benign tumors that can develop in the soft tissue or bones of the head and neck. In the oral cavity, odontogenic myxoma is the most common type. Understanding the different types of myxoma is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

1. Odontogenic Myxoma (Jaw Myxoma)

Most common oral myxoma

• Location: Primarily affects the mandible (lower jaw), but may also involve the maxilla (upper jaw).
  
• Origin: Arises from the mesenchymal tissue involved in tooth development.
  
• Appearance: Painless, slow-growing swelling. Can cause tooth displacement or root resorption.
  
• Imaging: Often shows a multilocular radiolucency on X-rays (described as “soap bubble” or “honeycomb” pattern).
  
• Treatment: Requires surgical excision with clear margins due to potential for local recurrence.
  
  

2. Soft Tissue Myxoma (Oral Soft Tissue)

Less aggressive soft tissue variant

• Location: Can develop in the tongue, lips, cheek (buccal mucosa), or other soft tissues in the mouth.
  
• Symptoms: Appears as a painless, slow-growing mass. Usually asymptomatic.
  
• Behavior: Less invasive than jaw myxomas.
  
• Treatment: Treated with simple surgical excision. Recurrence is uncommon.
  
  

3. Non-Odontogenic Myxoma (Maxillofacial Myxoma)

Rare tumors outside of the jaws

• Location: Found in soft tissue areas of the face, sinuses, or neck.
  
• Behavior: Can mimic other benign or malignant tumors depending on location and size.
  
• Diagnosis: Imaging and biopsy are often required to confirm diagnosis.
  
• Treatment: Surgical removal is the standard approach.

When to See a Specialist

If you notice a persistent swelling in your jaw or mouth, or if imaging shows a suspicious radiolucent area, consult with an oral and maxillofacial specialist. Early diagnosis and complete surgical treatment are key to preventing recurrence and preserving oral function.

Development

Odontogenic myxoma tumors can derive from either the bone or the soft tissues surrounding the bone.

Symptoms of a Jaw Myxoma

Though myxoma tumors are aggressive in the ways they infiltrate tissue and bone, they are ultimately quite slow growing, and often asymptomatic in the early stages. Symptoms to look out for include:

• Painless swelling in the jaw
• Facial asymmetry
• Tooth displacement or loosening
• Jaw expansion seen on dental X-rays
• Numbness or discomfort in rare cases

Diagnosis and Imaging

The first option for odontogenic myxoma tumor diagnosis is radiography, and a CT scan or MRI is often ordered for imaging that is as accurate and detailed as possible. Panoramic radiography (two-dimensional dental radiography, commonly called “panoramic x-ray”) shows myxoma to have a “soap bubble” or “honeycomb” appearance; what radiologists refer to as “multilocular radiolucency.”

Biopsy can sometimes be required to confirm the diagnosis of odontogenic myxoma, and to differentiate the tumor from other jaw tumors like ameloblastoma, cysts, and fibromas.

Surgical Treatment for Myxomas

The standard for odontogenic myxoma is complete surgical excision, including removal of healthy tissue margins. Due to the aggressiveness of these tumors, recurrence chance is high, and it’s essential to remove enough healthy tissue to ensure successful removal of tumor cells.

In the case of myxomas that originate in the bone, a segment of the jawbone may need to be removed. These surgeries are performed under general anesthesia by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, with the option of bone graft, plate reconstruction, and dental implants later after recovery. 

Why Choose OCI for Myxoma Treatment in Chicago

The surgical team here at the Oral Cancer Institute is comprised of fellowship-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons who specialize in jaw tumor and pathology cases. They are experienced in conservative and extensive resection techniques, giving them the adaptability to provide appropriate, customized care on a case-by-case basis. 

With in-house diagnostics and imaging capabilities, patients can count on a comprehensive care experience right here, in our state-of-the-art facilities. Should outside input be required for a case, we have long-standing, collaborative relationships with pathologists, radiologists, and restorative dentists we trust. 

Recovery and Follow-Up

Depending on the extent of your surgery, your myxoma tumor surgical recovery time will vary. Regardless of the extent and severity, however, you can trust your care team to prioritize your comfort and individual needs.  

In the immediate time after your surgery, we’ll help you manage swelling and pain, and guide you through any diet modifications necessary to facilitate successful recovery. In the long term, your care team will set up appointments for follow-up scans, and any appointments needed to monitor for tumor recurrence. 

If you require reconstruction of any kind (most commonly in cases of teeth or jawbone removal), we will set you up with a coordinated care plan designed to provide you with the most thorough, individualized care.