Facial tumors are benign or malignant growths in the facial area. Facial tumors are usually painless. However, they can pose a serious threat to one’s health. Most facial tumors develop from the skin, but growths originating from the glands are also possible.
Here you will find further information as well as a selection of specialists and centers for facial tumors.
A facial tumor is a growth of tissue in the facial region. This growth can be either benign or malignant and can occur in various locations on the face.
A benign tumor grows more slowly than a malignant tumor. Benign tumors also displace the surrounding tissue but do not invade it. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow rapidly and aggressively. Colloquially, they are referred to as cancer.
In addition to distinguishing between benign and malignant growths, it is also necessary to
.
The various tumors that can occur on the face differ in
Most tumors that occur on the face are skin growths. Here, a distinction must be made between the following types:
In addition to the skin tumors mentioned above, growths can also develop in the glands located on the face. The parotid gland and the sebaceous glands are most commonly affected. These growths are benign in most cases. Benign sebaceous gland tumors are known as atheromas.
In a broader sense, tumors of the oral mucosa, as well as of the jaw or the alveolar ridge, are also classified as facial tumors. They differ significantly from growths of the skin and glands.
Tumors in the mouth and jaw are usually squamous cell carcinomas. Tumors of the facial bones are also possible, but rare.
The symptoms that occur vary significantly from tumor to tumor. In many cases, a visible change in the structure of the face is the only symptom that appears. Other symptoms, such as
are much less common.
Benign facial tumors include liver spots, moles, and similar lesions. They differ from malignant tumors in part because they are clearly demarcated from the surrounding tissue.
If newly appeared spots on the face
there is a high probability that they are malignant growths. A noticeably raised spot also suggests that it is malignant. Other types of tumors on the face are more difficult to distinguish from one another.
Distinguishing between the various growths is complicated and should be done by a medical professional. However, it is fairly easy to recognize that a tumor is present at all: If the appearance of the face changes and spots, discoloration, or masses appear without any apparent cause, these are usually tumors. That does not necessarily mean, however, that the tumor is malignant.
The causes and risk factors vary significantly among the different types of facial tumors. One common factor among skin tumors is that they are promoted by intense UV radiation. Therefore, spending time outdoors without sunscreen increases the likelihood of developing facial tumors.
The situation is different for glandular tumors. Here, the greatest risk factor for benign growths is a blockage of the gland. Consequently, these tumors are not as easy to prevent as skin tumors.
Tumors of the mouth and jaw are also directly promoted by the consumption of nicotine and alcohol. Other malignant tumors are indirectly promoted by substance use.
In addition to these factors, genetic makeup also influences an individual’s risk of developing a tumor. A family history of the disease significantly increases the likelihood. For example, certain types of skin tumors occur more frequently in some families.
You should have any changes in the skin structure of your face checked for a facial tumor © Symfonia | AdobeStock
The first step in diagnosis is examining the lesion. Many tumors—especially benign ones—can be reliably identified by trained specialists using this method alone. A dermatoscope is particularly helpful in this process. With this instrument, the doctor can examine skin structures under magnification and with adequate lighting. It helps to clearly identify even the smallest details.
With the appropriate equipment, it is possible to reliably distinguish, for example,
. Dermatology practices, in particular, are equipped with such devices. Atheromas can also usually be diagnosed with relative certainty using this method.
It is not always possible to make a diagnosis based solely on visual examination of the structure. In cases of doubt, a biopsy provides certainty. During the procedure, the doctor removes a small sample of the affected skin area so that it can be examined more closely in the laboratory. This allows for the reliable diagnosis of skin changes.
For tumors that are not directly accessible—such as those located in bone or in the oral mucosa—further examinations are necessary. In such cases, the specialists responsible are not dermatologists but oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
Benign tumors generally do not require treatment. Doctors will only consider removal if they are cosmetically disfiguring or otherwise bothersome. In most cases, this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The affected area of skin is removed as completely as possible.
Malignant tumors must always be treated. If left untreated, they would severely impair quality of life and life expectancy. They invade neighboring tissue and may also form metastases.
In addition to surgical removal, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may be necessary in some cases. Treatment options are always reviewed and tailored to the individual patient.
In most cases, benign tumors do not pose a health problem. They rarely develop into malignant tumors. The prognosis is therefore good, and treatment is often unnecessary.
The situation is different for malignant tumors on the face: They are potentially life-threatening and must therefore be treated quickly and appropriately. The course and prognosis depend primarily on the type of tumor and its stage. The more advanced the cancer is, the poorer the prognosis.
Therefore, you should see a doctor if you notice any skin changes on your face or experience other symptoms in the face, mouth, or jaw area.
In the case of
, the prognosis is generally worse than for skin tumors.
