JAW SWELLING

Ask the Following Questions:

1. Is the swelling focal or diffuse? Focal jaw swelling should suggest alveolar abscess, gingivitis, adamantinoma, actinomycosis, epithelioma, a cyst, osteoma, odontoma, or epulis.
2. Is it painful? Painful jaw swelling should suggest alveolar abscess, gingivitis, actinomycosis, adamantinoma, cellulitis, fracture, hematoma, necrosis of the jaw, or osteomyelitis.
3. Is there enlargement of the hands and feet? Enlargement of the hands and feet should suggest acromegaly.

DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP

Routine tests include a CBC, urinalysis, sedimentation rate, chemistry panel, and x-ray of the jaw and teeth. X-rays of the skull and long bones and a serum growth hormone should be done if acromegaly is suspected. PTH assay and x-ray of the skull and long bones should be done if osteitis fibrosa cystica is suspected. Referral to a dentist or oral surgeon should be made if there is still diagnostic confusion at this point.

Book Source Details

• Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
• Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
• Year of Publication: 2003
• Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.

More About Causes of Jaw symptoms

• Back to symptom: Jaw symptoms: Introduction (review 682 causes)
• Next Book Extract About Jaw symptoms: Jaw Pain/Swelling (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
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More About This Book: Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs Authors: R. Douglas Collins Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 0-7817-3805-9

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