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The tests confirmed it wasn’t a simple dental issue but metastatic prostate cancer, a rare condition where prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, including the jaw.
For this man, the post-extraction swelling turned out to be a critical clue in further diagnosis. (representative image)
It all started with a routine visit to the dentist. A healthy 78-year-old man, concerned about a loose lower left premolar, sought help hoping for a quick resolution to his dental discomfort. Little did he know this visit would change his life forever. The dentist decided the best course of action was to extract the troublesome tooth, aiming to end the man’s discomfort once and for all. But in the days and weeks following the procedure, something unexpected happened. His jaw began to swell.
Alarmed by the unusual swelling, the man returned to the dental office, prompting further investigation. A CT scan soon brought a shocking revelation: a lesion in his jaw.
The situation became worse when additional tests confirmed it wasn’t a simple dental issue but metastatic prostate cancer, a rare condition where prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, including the jaw, reported The Sun.
“Prostate cancer, like many other cancers, can metastasise to the jaw. The jawbone’s rich blood supply and active bone marrow make it an attractive site for cancer cells to settle and grow,” explained Dr Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at Dentum, in an interview with Sun Health.
While jaw metastases are uncommon, their presence often indicates the cancer has reached an advanced stage. Symptoms can be subtle, mimicking typical dental problems, which makes detection even more challenging.
“Patients may experience persistent swelling, pain, loose teeth without an obvious cause, or delayed healing after extractions. Numbness or tingling in the jaw can also be a red flag, suggesting nerve involvement,” Dr Bozic added.
For this man, the post-extraction swelling turned out to be a critical clue, guiding doctors to an early but devastating diagnosis. Writing in the Australian Dental Journal, experts highlighted the vital role dentists play in identifying when dental issues don’t resolve as expected, especially in older patients or those with a history of cancer.
“This vigilance is key. Early recognition and diagnosis can be lifesaving, even though jaw metastases often point to an advanced stage of the disease,” Dr Bozic emphasised.
According to The Sun, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide and ranks as the fourth most common cancer overall. Each year, it claims approximately 12,000 lives in the UK and nearly 400,000 globally.
Early detection is critical, as symptoms like difficulty urinating, frequent nighttime urination, and blood in the urine may often go unnoticed until the disease has progressed.
