Facial tumors are benign or malignant neoplasms in the area of the face. Facial tumors are usually painless. However, they can pose a serious risk to your own health. Most facial tumors develop from the skin, but neoplasms from the glands are also possible.
Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for facial tumors.
A facial tumor is a new formation of tissue in the area of the face. This neoplasm can be either benign or malignant and can occur at different locations on the face.
A benign tumor grows more slowly than a malignant tumor. Benign tumors also displace the surrounding tissue, but do not grow into it. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow quickly and aggressively. They are colloquially referred to as cancer.
In addition to the distinction between benign and malignant neoplasms, the specific type and
must be differentiated.
The various tumors that can occur on the face differ in
Most tumors that occur on the face are neoplasms of the skin. A distinction must be made between the following forms:
In addition to the aforementioned tumors of the skin, neoplasms of the glands located on the face can also occur. The parotid gland and the sebaceous glands are particularly affected. These neoplasms are benign in most cases. The benign sebaceous gland tumors are so-called atheromas.
In a broader view, tumors of the oral mucosa and the jaw or tooth bed also belong to facial tumors. They differ clearly from neoplasms of the skin and glands.
Most tumors of the mouth and jaw are squamous cell carcinomas. Neoplasms of the facial bones are also possible, but rare.
The symptoms that occur differ significantly from tumor to tumor. In many cases, the visible change in the structure of the face is the only symptom that occurs. Other symptoms, such as
are much rarer.
Benign facial tumors include moles, birthmarks, etc. They differ from malignant neoplasms in part due to a clear demarcation from the surrounding tissue.
If new spots on the face are
there is a high probability that they are malignant neoplasms. A clear elevation of the spot also indicates that it is malignant. Other forms of facial tumors are more difficult to distinguish.
Differentiating between the various neoplasms is complicated and is carried out by specialists. However, it is quite easy to recognize the presence of a tumour: if the appearance of the face changes and spots, discoloration or masses appear without any obvious cause, these are usually tumours. However, this does not mean that the tumor is malignant.
The causes and risk factors differ significantly between the various types of facial tumors. What all skin tumors have in common is that they are promoted by intensive UV radiation. People who spend time outdoors without sun protection therefore increase the likelihood of facial tumors occurring.
The situation is different for glandular tumors. Here, the greatest risk factor for benign neoplasms is a blockage of the gland. Accordingly, these tumors are not as easy to prevent as those of the skin.
Tumors of the mouth and jaw are also directly promoted by the consumption of nicotine and alcohol. Other malignant neoplasms are indirectly promoted by substance use.
In addition to these factors, the genetic make-up also has an effect on the individual tumor risk. A hereditary predisposition significantly increases the probability. For example, certain skin tumors occur more frequently in some families.
Changes in the skin structure of the face should be checked for a facial tumor © Symfonia | AdobeStock
The first step in diagnosis is to look at the change. Many tumors, especially benign ones, can be reliably detected by trained specialists at this stage. A dermatoscope is particularly helpful here. With this instrument, the doctor can view enlarged and well-lit skin structures. It helps to recognize even the smallest details.
With the appropriate equipment, for example
precancerous lesions. Dermatology practices in particular have such equipment. Atheromas can also usually be diagnosed relatively reliably in this way.
It is not always possible to make a diagnosis simply by looking at the structure. In cases of doubt, a biopsy provides certainty. The doctor removes a piece of the affected area of skin so that it can be examined more closely in the laboratory. This allows changes to be diagnosed with certainty.
In the case of tumors that are not directly accessible and are located in the bone or in the mucous membrane of the mouth, for example, further examinations are necessary. In addition, specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, rather than dermatology, are responsible in this case.
Benign tumors generally do not need to be treated. Doctors only consider removing them if they have a cosmetically detrimental effect or are otherwise disturbing. In most cases, such a procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and 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 massively impair the quality and expectation of life. They grow into neighboring tissue and may also form metastases.
In addition to surgical removal, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy is necessary in some cases. The treatment options are reviewed and adapted individually in each case.
In most cases,benign tumors do not pose a health problem. Only rarely do they develop into malignant tumors. The prognosis is therefore good and treatment is often not necessary.
The situation is different with malignant neoplasms on the face: they are potentially life-threatening and must therefore be treated quickly and adequately. The course and prognosis depend primarily on the type and stage of the tumor. The more advanced the cancer, the worse the prognosis.
You should therefore consult a doctor if you have skin changes on your face or other complaints in the face, mouth and jaw area.
For
the prognosis is generally worse than for tumors of the skin.
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